He made the statement after visiting some of the victims at the Polri Hospital in Kramat Jati, Jakarta, on Monday, where 17 of 43 victims are being treated. The 17 comprises of 14 police officers and three civilians, Subianto pointed out.
“I have visited 13 of them (inside), some are in serious condition," Subianto confirmed, noting that one of them had to undergo a surgery where part of their skull is replaced with titanium.
One victim was a woman who was about to go to market with motorbike. During the protest, some people broke her thigh and took her vehicle away, he added.
Moreover, another victim had kidney failure and required transplant. He said that the kidney failure was result of being trampled by crowd during the protest.
"Currently they have to undergo hemodialysis. If a transplant is needed, we will seek an organ if the condition cannot be improved. Kidney failure is very serious," he stressed.
The president said that people have the right to express their opinion and voice aspirations, and those are protected by the law. However, protests must be carried out peacefully and adhere to regulations, such as ending by 6:00 p.m.
He said that in some protests, there are some trucks carrying large fireworks, causing police personnel to sustain burns.
"Many of personnel got shot by fireworks. Some had their necks burnt, some had their thighs burnt. Imagine if a man's private parts got burnt. To me, this (kind of actions) are intended to wreak havoc," the President opined.
A series of protest near parliamentary building began at August 25. People expressed discontent over lawmakers' inappropriate behaviour and excessive incentives.
However, the protest turned chaotic after a civilian died from being ran over by a police tactical vehicle, sparking an unrest across the nation.
The follow up protests also claimed lives and injured many. Some unknown people damaged public facilities and buildings, like authorities' posts, traffic signs, road separators, and some vehicles were set ablaze.
Various institutions and public figures have called for everyone to cease the acts of anarchy and resolve situation peacefully.
The President has also called for House of Representatives higher ups to meet the protesters and host a dialogue with them to listen to their concerns.
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Translator: Mentari Dwi Gayati, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Arie Novarina
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