“From the beginning of the unrest until now, we have arrested around 1,240 people. They come from area outside Jakarta, including from West Java and Banten,” said Jakarta Metropolitan Police Chief Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri during a press conference at Jakarta City Hall on Monday.
Suheri also confirmed that perpetrators of vandalism and looting of public facilities have been identified and will soon be arrested. However, he has not yet disclosed the number of suspects.
“We have already identified those responsible for vandalism and looting. It’s just a matter of time — we will take firm action to arrest them. As for the exact number of suspects, we will revealed later, as our team is still working,” he said.
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The police are acting on direct instructions from President Prabowo Subianto to take firm action against any form of anarchy, including the destruction of public property. However, Suheri emphasized that the public is still welcome to express their opinions peacefully.
Also present at the press conference, Jakarta Military Commander Major General Deddy Suryadi echoed the police’s commitment to firm enforcement.
“Expressing opinions or giving suggestions in accordance with the constitution is not a problem, but when it turns into anarchic behavior, we will respond with firm action,” Suryadi stated.
He added that the military (TNI) and police are strongly committed to maintaining public safety and security.
Last week’s protests, held at several locations in Jakarta—including in front of the House of Representatives building—ended in chaos. Irresponsible individuals were reported to have vandalized public infrastructure, including TransJakarta bus stops and MRT Jakarta stations.
The Jakarta Provincial Government recorded infrastructure damage losses from the post-demonstration incidents in several areas across the city totaling up to Rp55 billion (approximately USD 3.6 million).
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Translator: Lia Wanadriani, Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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