Yusril: Legal handling of post-demonstration riots must be impartial
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has emphasised that the legal handling of the series of riots that occurred following demonstrations on 27 August 2026 must be conducted objectively, comprehensively, and without discrimination.
“Investigations must be carried out against anyone who, based on information and preliminary evidence, is suspected of involvement, whether as individuals, groups, or community organisations,” Yusril stated when confirmed in Jakarta on Thursday.
According to him, law enforcement agencies must fully reveal the entire series of events and the parties suspected of involvement based on facts and evidence found during the investigation process, including regarding the case of the death of a Pejambongan resident, Bambang Setiyawan.
“The legal process must proceed in accordance with the provisions of the laws and regulations,” he said.
He stated that if sufficient preliminary evidence is found during the investigation, law enforcement agencies may escalate the handling of the case to the investigation stage in accordance with applicable law.
“The important thing is that all processes must be based on evidence and conducted objectively,” he said.
He noted that the government is paying serious attention to the case of Bambang Setiyawan’s death during the series of riots in the Pejompongan area on 27 August.
The government supports the steps taken by the police, who have conducted an investigation into the incident.
Polda Metro Jaya previously issued a Model A Police Report to investigate the events that led to Bambang’s death. The police have also examined 14 witnesses and analysed CCTV footage and various videos related to the incident.
From the results of that deep dive, investigators have obtained two facial sketches of the suspected perpetrators of the mob attack and are still pursuing the individuals involved.
In addition to the case of Bambang, the Coordinating Minister mentioned that the police are also continuing the legal process regarding the series of criminal acts that occurred during the 27 August riots.
On 2 September 2026, Polda Metro Jaya announced that 47 individuals had been named suspects in cases of alleged damage to public facilities and assault.
It was explained that these designations were made based on witness statements, CCTV footage, and the analysis of various videos and digital content related to the events.
Yusril emphasised that law enforcement must not differentiate between individuals based on their background, group, or the organisation they belong to.
“The law must be enforced without bias. Everyone has equal standing before the law, and there must be no discrimination in law enforcement,” he stated.
Therefore, he requested that the legal process for the entire series of events be given the space to proceed professionally and based on valid evidence.
On the other hand, the former State Secretary stated that the government continues to respect the public’s right to express opinions in public as part of the constitutional rights of citizens.
However, he added, that freedom must be exercised responsibly and cannot be used as a justification for acts of violence, assault, destruction, or actions that result in the loss of human life.
“We want the truth to be revealed clearly, for victims to receive justice, and for the law to apply equally to everyone,” the Coordinating Minister concluded.