Jakarta riots: Police arrest 322, one dead after protest

Riots erupted in multiple locations across Jakarta on Thursday evening, following a demonstration held in front of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and House of Representatives (DPR) building in Senayan. In response, police apprehended at least 322 individuals suspected of involvement in the disturbances.

Authorities stated the arrests were necessary to halt alleged acts of vandalism, damage to public facilities, and to maintain public order and security in the affected areas. The arrested individuals were divided into six clusters for further investigation. Of the total detained, 162 were adults aged 19 to 40, while 160 were minors between 12 and 18 years old.

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Based on the data collected, 322 people were secured for examination.

Further details revealed that 45 of the arrested individuals have been formally designated as suspects. These suspects are categorized into six distinct groups. The first cluster consists of minors under 18, with 153 children handed over to the Directorate of Child Protection and Women's Affairs. The second cluster comprises 91 individuals identified as riot perpetrators. The third cluster involves 71 people arrested for alleged vandalism and assault.

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The modus operandi carried out by those we have designated as suspects is to damage public facilities and commit assault against people or property.

Additional clusters focus on specific alleged offenses: four individuals were arrested for carrying sharp weapons, and others are being investigated for inciting and financing the riots, as well as recruiting participants. Police noted that the modus operandi involved damaging public facilities and assaulting individuals or property.

Tragically, one person was confirmed to have died during the protests. The individual was taken to RS Polri Kramat Jati for identification and an autopsy. However, the family reportedly refused to allow an autopsy, leaving the exact cause of death unconfirmed by police. Authorities expressed empathy but stated they could not proceed with further inquiries without the family's consent.

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We will continue to request an autopsy to determine the cause of death, but it was refused by the family. On one hand, we are empathetic, so investigators have not been able to obtain further information.