Police Arrest 1,240 Rioters in Jakarta, Many from Out of Town

September 1, 2025 | 05:54 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jakarta Metro Police have detained 1,240 individuals during the recent demonstrations that turned violent in Jakarta. Jakarta Metro Police Chief, Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri, confirmed that the majority of those arrested came from outside the city.

Asep stated that the arrests have been made since the beginning of the protests last week. Following a meeting with the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda) at Jakarta City Hall on Monday, September 1, 2025, he said, “They came from areas outside Jakarta, some from West Java, some from other parts of Java, and some from Banten.”

The police have also identified those responsible for looting and vandalizing public facilities in Jakarta. However, Asep did not specify the exact number of individuals involved in these crimes who have been identified by law enforcement.

Asep affirmed that the police are continuously investigating to pursue legal action against the perpetrators. “Just wait, we will take decisive actions and make arrests; we ask for everyone's prayers for it to proceed smoothly,” he said.

Asep also mentioned that he has received instructions from President Prabowo Subianto and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo to take decisive action against the vandals. “For those who express their opinions peacefully, it is not a problem, it’s okay. Hopefully, in the future, Jakarta will be even safer and more peaceful,” he added.

During the same event, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung disclosed that 716 individuals were victims during last week’s protests. “And all the 700-plus victims’ medical expenses are fully covered by the Jakarta Provincial Government,” Pramono stated.

The demonstrations began in several areas on Thursday, August 28, 2025, with initial protests by laborers and students in front of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and House of Representatives (DPR) building in Senayan. These protests were a response to the extravagant allowances for parliamentary members.

While the initial protests proceeded peacefully, riots erupted toward the evening. The police’s efforts to disperse the crowd resulted in the death of online motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan, who was hit by an armored vehicle from the Jakarta Metro Police. Affan's death sparked public outrage, and the Brimob headquarters in Kwitang, Central Jakarta, was subsequently stormed by a crowd on Thursday night.

Eka Yudha Saputra and Vedro Imanuel Girsang contributed to the report

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