Two Men Carrying Molotov Cocktails Detained During Student Protest in Dukuh Atas

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Polda Metro Jaya stated that the public expression of opinion by approximately 1,000 students in the Dukuh Atas area, Central Jakarta, proceeded safely, orderly, and under control until Friday afternoon.

“Alhamdulillah, the process of expressing opinions is still ongoing, the situation remains safe and controllable,” said Polda Metro Jaya Head of Public Relations, Commissioner Budi Hermanto, on Friday.

Budi also emphasised that Polda Metro Jaya, together with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), is committed to maintaining public security and order (kamtibmas) so that the students’ aspirations can be conveyed properly.

“Security measures are carried out persuasively and humanely according to the directives of the Metro Jaya Police Chief,” he said.

Budi added that during the protest, the Law Enforcement Task Force (Satgas Gakkum) of the Polda Metro Jaya General Criminal Investigation Directorate successfully detained two men suspected of attempting to infiltrate the student crowd.

“We have identified several groups of people who planned to join the student protest and were carrying Molotov cocktails. Two individuals have been detained and are currently being taken to the General Criminal Investigation Directorate for thorough examination and interrogation,” Budi said.

Police confirmed that the two individuals were not part of the student group, and their status and affiliations are still being investigated.

Regarding complaints of internet signal disruption and reports of CCTV cameras being turned off around the protest site, Polda Metro Jaya denied any signal jamming activities.

“There is no jamming in the field. The difficulty with signal is due to the density of personnel and the entire crowd; on average, our signals are also struggling. We will also communicate with the DKI Jakarta Provincial Communication and Information Office regarding the CCTV,” Budi stated.