West Java Police Chief Reveals Black-Clad Group Burns Police Post During May Day in Bandung

West Java Police Chief Irjen Rudi Setiawan has assured that the group involved in the unrest that triggered anarchic actions during the International Labour Day (May Day) commemoration in Bandung City on Friday, 1 May 2026 evening, was not from the labour or student masses who held peaceful demonstrations.

According to the West Java Police Chief, a group of people dressed entirely in black carried out destruction and burning of public facilities in Bandung City, West Java, during the May Day commemoration.

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

The destructive actions included burning banners, damaging traffic lights, government-owned CCTV facilities, videotrons, and a police post in the Tamansari area of Bandung City.

The Police Chief confirmed that there was no agenda related to labour actions in Bandung or West Java during this year’s May Day commemoration. The 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 PM WIB.

Rudi also mentioned that the group briefly 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 stated.

He said that the apparatus had attempted to urge the masses to disperse, but it was ignored, leading to continued destructive actions.

“What they did is very dangerous, 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 destructive actions 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 maintain vigilance to ensure that public security and order remain safe and conducive,” he said.