KontraS: Police arrested 24 demonstrators in Surabaya amid protest chaos

A protest in Surabaya, Indonesia, against government policies culminated in the arrest of 24 demonstrators, including a female activist, according to the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS).

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After pushing back the action, police began to arrest demonstrators with sporadic violence and forcibly dragged them into the Grahadi building.

The demonstration, part of the #IndonesiaSekarat movement, began peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2026. However, KontraS Surabaya's advocacy team described a shift when police allegedly surrounded protesters with a water cannon and used water and tear gas. The situation escalated around 7:10 PM when police began dispersing the crowd, pushing them towards a fountain monument.

KontraS reported that plainclothes officers were present among the demonstrators and conducted arrests described as "sporadic and violent." Zaldi Maulana, from KontraS Surabaya's advocacy team, stated that arrests were made randomly, with some individuals apprehended without clear justification. By Saturday morning, 24 people, including one woman, had been detained at the Surabaya Police headquarters.

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Until Saturday at 01:26 AM, we recorded that 24 people were arrested by the police, including one woman. They were taken to the Surabaya Police.

The protesters were specifically demanding the cessation of two government priority programs: "Makan Bergizi Gratis" (Free Nutritious Food) and "Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih" (Village/Kelurahan Red and White Cooperatives). KontraS urged the police to release all detained demonstrators and provide them with adequate legal assistance, calling for an end to any violence against those arrested without clear evidence of wrongdoing.

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They continued to commit vandalism. That endangers the public and themselves. Therefore, we were forced to take firm action by pushing the masses back.

Police Commissioner Luthfie Setiawan, head of the Surabaya Police, stated that officers acted to disperse the crowd due to alleged destructive behavior that endangered the public. He confirmed that arrests were made, identifying some individuals as provocateurs, and indicated that legal proceedings would follow for those found guilty.

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Now data collection and examination are still underway. Those who are guilty will be processed according to the applicable law.