“We do not want to be infiltrated or provoked. The role of the community in each area is crucial. Let us protect our home together,”Surabaya (ANTARA) - Commander of Regional Military Command V/Brawijaya Major General Rudy Saladin expressed concern over the fire that struck the historic Grahadi State Building in Surabaya during a demonstration on Saturday night.
“We are deeply concerned. I spoke with colleagues from Surabaya’s Cultural Heritage Office who manage heritage sites. Grahadi is one of the city’s cultural treasures and a pride for the people of Surabaya and East Java,” said Major General Rudy while inspecting the site on Sunday.
He explained that the Grahadi State Building has been in use since the 1930s, while its main structure dates back to the 1700s.
However, he noted, a small group of individuals threw Molotov cocktails at the western side of the building, causing the fire to spread, though the main structure remained unharmed.
He stressed the importance of maintaining public order and not being easily provoked to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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“With humility, I urge everyone, brothers and sisters, friends, please maintain calm, do not be provoked, and avoid anarchic actions as the consequences are severe,” he said.
Major General Rudy also encouraged the people of Surabaya and East Java to channel their aspirations to the central government in an orderly manner.
Following directives from the President, he stated that the Indonesian Millitary (TNI) and police will continue to work together to maintain security and public order in each area, with active community participation.
“We do not want to be infiltrated or provoked. The role of the community in each area is crucial. Let us protect our home together,” he added.
Earlier, the western side of the Grahadi State Building on Jalan Gubernur Suryo was set on fire by rioters on Saturday night at approximately 9:38 p.m.
The fire started about one and a half hours after East Java Governor Khofifah met with the demonstrators. Observers reported that hundreds of protesters remained in front of Grahadi without intervention from security forces.
The sound of firecrackers continued intermittently until 10:30 p.m., while crowds still filled Jalan Gubernur Suryo in Surabaya.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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