West Java Police Chief: Black-Clad Group Damages Public Facilities During May Day

Bandung, West Java (ANTARA) - The West Java Police Chief, Irjen Pol. Rudi Setiawan, revealed that a group of people dressed entirely in black carried out vandalism and arson against public facilities in Bandung, West Java, during the International Labour Day or May Day commemoration in 2026.

“We saw unknown individuals wearing black clothing and face masks carrying Molotov cocktails and damaging public facilities while also setting fires,” Rudi said in Bandung, West Java, on Friday.

Rudi stated that there were no events related to labour actions in Bandung or West Java for this year’s May Day commemoration.

He noted that previous actions in front of the West Java DPRD building and the Jatinangor area were only carried out by students and had concluded around 5:00 p.m. WIB.

According to him, the vandalism included burning banners, damaging traffic lights, government-owned CCTV facilities, videotrons, and a police post in the Tamansari area of Bandung City.

Rudi also mentioned that the group temporarily stopped road users, causing fear among the public.

“We, along with the regional government and Kodam III Siliwangi, were present directly to protect public security. We will take firm action because what they did is criminal and endangers officers and the public,” he said.

He explained that the apparatus had attempted to urge the crowd to disperse, but it was ignored, so the vandalism continued.

“It is very dangerous what they did, even stopping road users. Clearly, this is a criminal group,” he said.

Rudi stated that the West Java Police have secured several perpetrators involved in the vandalism and will process them according to applicable law.

“We have secured several perpetrators. This is a criminal act and we will process it. We are also continuing to guard to keep the public order and security situation safe and conducive,” he said.