The Long Road to Executing the Hotel Sultan Eviction
The government executed the eviction of Blok 15 Gelora Bung Karno (GBK), the former Hotel Sultan area, on Thursday (18/6/2026) after facing initial resistance. Thursday marked the deadline for PT Indobuildco to vacate the premises, with the Gelora Bung Karno Complex Management Centre deploying 300 joint personnel to carry out the execution.
The land execution was not straightforward. Around 08.00 WIB, a crowd gathered in front of the lobby to oppose the eviction, chanting slogans such as ‘Indigenous people unite, defend Hotel Sultan!’ The demonstrators, wearing red-and-white flag bracelets, were led by an orator in front of a command vehicle. Banners were unfurled on hotel balconies and in front of the building, bearing messages including ‘Reject the execution or seizure of indigenous business’, ‘Hotel Sultan execution violates human rights’, and ‘Hotel Sultan is not a GBK asset’.
Several access points to the GBK complex were temporarily closed, including gates 5, 7, and 8, while Gate 10 on Jalan Gerbang Pemuda was partially shut with security barring all vehicles. A total of 3,161 joint personnel were deployed for security operations. Central Jakarta Metro Police Public Relations Head Iptu Erlyn Sumantri confirmed the figure, while Transition Team Head Hendry Arisandi noted the 300-strong execution team included representatives from the GBK management centre, the State Secretariat Ministry, legal counsel, and the Public Appraisal Service Office.
The Central Jakarta District Court commenced the execution by reading out the ruling. Court clerk Ahyar delivered the decision, referencing the Chief Judge’s decree and stating the eviction application met legal requirements and did not contravene the law. The court ordered the land and buildings, including everything attached to them, to be vacated and returned to the plaintiffs, the State Secretariat.
During the execution, clashes erupted as demonstrators threw stones and wood at officers. Police responded with shields and water cannon, dispersing the crowd. Sixty-nine individuals were detained for obstructing the process and causing a disturbance, according to Polda Metro Jaya Public Relations Head Kombes Budi Hermanto, who said the number could rise.
Inside the hotel, court officials and GBK personnel entered around 10.10 WIB, accompanied by police in full riot gear. The reception area was deserted as officials secured glass doors. Some guests, including adults and children, were seen descending from upper floors and were escorted out by policewomen while carrying their luggage.