August 27, 2026 | 01:48 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jakarta Metropolitan Police have arrested 65 people ahead of a protest at the Parliament (MPR/DPR/DPD) Complex in Jakarta on Thursday, August 27, 2026. The police stated that they were planning to “ride on” the demonstration which took place outside the MPR/DPR/DPD building.
The Head of Public Relations of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, Grand Commissioner Budi Hermanto, said the arrest of the 65 individuals was part of a preventive measure. “From this series, 65 people have been secured by the General Crime Investigation Directorate and the Cyber Crime Directorate of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police,” said Budi during a press conference at the Jakarta Metro Police Headquarters on Thursday.
The 65 individuals are divided into two clusters. The first cluster consists of individuals allegedly affiliated with the Anarchist group and were consolidating at a music event in Kalimalang, East Jakarta, to “ride on” the protest. Meanwhile, the other two individuals are suspected of manipulating cyber data to appear authentic.
“Further investigation is still being conducted to determine whether the 65 apprehended individuals are part of our fellow citizens expressing their aspirations,” Budi said.
Out of the 63 individuals arrested, the police seized several pieces of evidence, including alcohol, sharp weapons, drugs, air rifles, pellets, megaphones, jerry cans filled with gasoline, backpacks, and spray paint.
The police also confiscated four banners containing information about a charity music event for East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Two of the banners were inscribed with “Charity for NTT” and “Charity gigs for NTT.”
According to the information on the banners, the event was held in Kalimalang, East Jakarta on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Budi explained that the confiscated items were not permitted under Law Number 9 of 1998 when expressing opinions.
The Director of the General Crime Investigation Directorate of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, Commissioner Iman Imanuddin, explained that the police had conducted mapping and monitoring before the arrest of these individuals.
“The community groups and students suspected of being affiliated with the Anarchist group have been identified as consolidating,” he said.
He further explained that the consolidation aimed to “ride on” the Pati community protest in front of the DPR building today. “The consolidation has been gradually taking place, showing the strengthening of the narrative, donation collection, mobilization, and the preparation of facilities that are suspected to be used in supporting the action,” said Imam.
According to the police's findings during the consolidation, there are efforts to “build a consensus on the issue” to be voiced during the protest. One of the main issues currently emerging, according to Imam, is the ratification of the Asset Forfeiture Bill.
“During this phase, the consolidation is directed towards aligning perceptions and strengthening the narrative that will subsequently be conveyed to the public,” said Imam.
Currently, the Jakarta police are still investigating the roles of the apprehended individuals and have designated two individuals arrested by the Cyber Crime Directorate as suspects.
Read: Police: 62 Protests Held in Jakarta Today
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