Hotel Sultan Eviction Turns Chaotic, Police Use Water Cannons

The eviction of the former Hotel Sultan in Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno complex on Thursday, June 18, 2026, devolved into chaos as authorities clashed with protesters. The situation escalated after a court official read the eviction order, prompting a strong reaction from a group claiming to represent former hotel employees and indigenous communities.

Demonstrators inside the hotel grounds began throwing bottles and rocks at the security forces, leading to a physical confrontation. The tension mounted as both sides engaged in pushing and shoving amidst the security operation. To regain control and disperse the resisting crowd, the authorities deployed a water cannon.

The water cannon's deployment eventually subdued the protesters, who were pushed back from the site. As of reporting, the area was gradually returning to a state of calm, with several protesters being detained and placed in police vehicles. The eviction proceeded despite the significant resistance and ensuing disturbance.