Yogyakarta Police Release 32 Protesters Previously Detained

Yogyakarta (ANTARA) – The Yogyakarta Regional Police (Polda DIY) have released 32 participants in a public demonstration who had been detained during unrest near the Yogyakarta Regional Legislative Council (DPRD DIY) building on Tuesday (20 October) night.

Yogyakarta Police Public Relations Chief Ihsan said in Sleman on Wednesday that unrest broke out during the demonstration, prompting officers to secure the 32 participants inside the DPRD DIY complex as tensions rose at the scene.

“The measure was taken solely as a discretionary police action to protect the safety of the demonstrators and prevent a wider escalation of clashes in a public area,” Ihsan said in a written statement on Wednesday.

He said the group comprised 29 men and three women, all of whom had been safely, smoothly and humanely returned home from about 2.30am on Wednesday.

According to Ihsan, all the demonstrators were in good health and accounted for, and police personnel even escorted them to their respective homes.

“They were all returned to their homes early this morning, and no one was taken to Yogyakarta Regional Police headquarters or Yogyakarta City Police,” he said.

Ihsan also said the situation around Jalan Malioboro had returned to normal, with traffic flowing smoothly after Tuesday night’s unrest.

“We urge the public to keep abreast of public order and security developments through the official Yogyakarta Police Public Relations channels, to help ensure the city remains peaceful, safe and conducive for everyone,” he said.