Thousands of Personnel Deployed to Secure Demonstration at National Police Headquarters
Jakarta — Jakarta Metro Police deployed 3,992 personnel to secure a demonstration held in front of the National Police Headquarters on Friday.
“A total of 3,992 personnel were deployed, consisting of 3,093 personnel from Jakarta Metro Police and reinforcements from the district police units,” said Jakarta Metro Police Public Relations Chief Kombes Pol Budi Hermanto in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.
He explained that the deployment was carried out to ensure the demonstration proceeded in an orderly fashion whilst maintaining conducive public activities, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
He also stressed that the National Police presented itself with a humanistic approach and respect for human rights.
“Police serve as guardians of life, builders of civilisation, and champions of humanity. In performing our duties, we prioritise service, protection, and law enforcement in a humanistic manner,” said Budi.
According to him, the thousands of personnel were positioned at several strategic points, including areas of public activity centres and major traffic routes.
The deployment was intended to protect citizens’ constitutional right to express their views without disrupting public interest.
“The right to express opinions is protected by law and we guarantee that. However, we also urge all parties to maintain order and not be easily provoked,” Budi said.
This measure was taken to prevent congestion that could impact residents’ activities, especially during Ramadan. The public was also urged to adjust their travel routes if there were traffic diversions on several roads.
To the demonstrators, Budi requested that opinions be expressed peacefully and orderly, whilst maintaining norms, ethics, and values of tolerance during Ramadan.
“You may express your opinions peacefully and orderly. We will serve and oversee so that all activities, both demonstrations and public activities, can proceed side by side safely and conducively,” Budi said.
Earlier, a post circulated on Instagram through the @bemui_official account announcing a demonstration at the National Police Headquarters on Friday (27 February). The post indicated that the demonstration, related to the death of a 14-year-old Islamic school student with initials AT allegedly killed by a Mobile Brigade member, would take place at 1:00 PM at the National Police Headquarters in South Jakarta.