Six injured as Jogja Police Watch criticizes handling of Yogyakarta protest

At least six students were injured during a protest in Yogyakarta, prompting a police watchdog to question why outside groups were allowed to become involved in crowd control.

The Civil Society Alliance demonstration took place at the Gramedia intersection on Jalan Sudirman on the night of Sept. 1. Jogja Police Watch said some students suffered violence at the hands of groups involved in the incident and were treated at a hospital.

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We deeply regret the physical clashes that broke out among the crowds despite tight security by authorities at the scene.

“We deeply regret the physical clashes that broke out among the crowds despite tight security by authorities at the scene,” said Baharuddin Kamba, head of the watchdog’s public relations division.

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However, the reality remains far from ideal, as cases of violence, intimidation, and repression by certain personnel against civilians continue to persist.

Kamba said the police had fallen short of their duties to protect the public and enforce the law. He criticized what he described as the mobilization of mass organizations alongside a repressive approach, saying it reflected a continuing militaristic mindset in the handling of demonstrations.

“The involvement of mass organizations in managing demonstrations, as seen in Jakarta, must be thoroughly evaluated and halted. Because it is not the task and authority of mass organizations to secure demonstrations, particularly when acts of violence occur,” he said.

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The involvement of mass organizations in managing demonstrations, as seen in Jakarta, must be thoroughly evaluated and halted. Because it is not the task and authority of mass organizations to secure demonstrations, particularly when acts of violence occur.

Yogyakarta Regional Police gave a different account of the disturbance. Public Relations Head Sr. Comr. Ihsan said the protest ran from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and that tensions began with a misunderstanding between demonstrators and local residents over the road closure. Pushing and shoving broke out, causing several people to fall as protesters were pushed toward the UGM roundabout. Ihsan said several police officers were also exposed to chemical substances.

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A misunderstanding arose between protesters and local residents over the road closure, leading to a minor clash, but the situation was quickly brought under control.