In a statement on Saturday in Jakarta, HIPPINDO Chairman Budihardjo Iduansjah urged all parties to exercise restraint, prioritize safety, and help maintain public order.
“HIPPINDO supports the government’s measures to guarantee public safety, including securing shopping centers, vital infrastructure, and ensuring the smooth distribution of logistics and essential goods. This is critical to keep services to the public running without disruption,” he said.
The association also called on the government to ensure security at key public activity centers while engaging in constructive dialogue to listen to public concerns.
HIPPINDO emphasized that preserving the continuity of the retail sector and its ecosystem, supporting millions of workers and their families as well as other industries linked to the national economy, must remain a priority.
“Through dialogue, unity, and concrete steps to maintain calm, we can strengthen national solidarity and ensure the economy continues to progress for the welfare of the Indonesian people,” Budihardjo added.
Several student groups, including the Indonesian Student Alliance (BEM SI) and the University of Indonesia Student Alliance (BEM UI), staged a protest in front of the Metro Jaya Police Headquarters on Friday afternoon (August 29).
The demonstration followed the death of an online motorcycle taxi (ojol) driver, Affan Kurniawan, who was crushed by a police tactical vehicle (rantis) on Thursday evening (August 28).
Inspector General Abdul Karim, Head of the National Police’s Propam Division, confirmed on Friday morning that seven Brimob officers suspected of involvement in the incident are still under investigation.
The tragedy that killed Affan has since sparked protests involving hundreds of citizens and fellow ojol drivers in front of Brimob Headquarters in Kwitang, Central Jakarta.
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Translator: Ahmad, Azis Kurmala
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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