Thirty-Two Protesters Detained at DIY Regional Council Released
The Yogyakarta Regional Police (Polda DIY) confirmed that 32 protesters who were detained the previous day in the grounds of the DIY Regional Legislative Council (DPRD DIY) building in Malioboro, Yogyakarta, were released early this morning. The force said the security measure was a discretionary police action intended solely to protect the protesters and prevent wider clashes in a public area.
“We would like to share the latest information from the scene: 32 protesters, comprising 29 men and three women, were detained last night at the DPRD DIY for everyone’s safety,” Polda DIY Public Relations Head Commissioner Ihsan said in a statement on Wednesday (21 October 2026).
“They have all been released and returned to their respective homes since early this morning, Wednesday (21 October), at around 2.30am,” he added.
Ihsan said none of the 32 protesters had been taken to Polda DIY or Yogyakarta City Police. The release process was carried out at the DPRD DIY building, safely, smoothly and humanely.
“None of the 32 detained protesters were taken to the regional police or city police station. They were all detained and released from the DIY Provincial DPRD in good health, and some were even taken home by us,” Ihsan said.
A protest by students outside the DPRD DIY building on Tuesday night (20 October) had earlier turned tense. Dozens of protesters were detained after clashes broke out, for treatment and identification.
DetikJogja observed that the clashes began at around 9.30pm, after stones were thrown from the student crowd towards police officers. Shortly afterwards, firecrackers were thrown and exploded in front of the police line. The sound of the explosion appeared to act as a signal, prompting members of the public to rush towards the student protesters.
“There was some tension earlier, around sunset. Then, at about 9.30pm, there was another clash, and fortunately we were able to manage it,” Ihsan said at the DPRD DIY grounds on Tuesday night (20 October).
“We had tried to engage in dialogue. However, we very much regret that objects were still thrown, including firecrackers and stones at us,” he added.
Ihsan confirmed that a number of students were detained after the clashes erupted. DetikJogja observed dozens of students being held in the covered walkway at the DPRD DIY; most had minor injuries and had received treatment.
“We are still recording details of those detained, but our aim in detaining them was to protect them. We held them temporarily and will return them afterwards,” Ihsan said.
“Given that the situation was somewhat chaotic, our personnel tried to protect both officers and protesters. We are still recording details because the incident has only just ended. Once the situation is fully under control, we will return them. Our aim is to protect them,” he added.
Ihsan also confirmed that police officers had been injured.
“Some officers were injured, but this is part of the dynamics of our public service work and a risk we accept. They have all received treatment, and their injuries are minor,” he said.
Ihsan said the situation around the DPRD DIY and along Malioboro Street had returned to normal.
“We can confirm that the situation remains calm and under control. The area around Malioboro is also under control. The most important thing is ensuring the safety and security of the people of Yogyakarta,” he concluded.