Thousands of Martial Artists Disperse Peacefully in Surabaya After Protest
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Thousands of martial arts practitioners from the PSHT group in Surabaya dispersed peacefully after initially attempting to approach a debt collector's office.
- The group sought clarification on the legal proceedings against an individual accused of assault, which triggered the protest.
- Police confirmed that legal action is proceeding against the perpetrator, with one suspect still at large.
Thousands of members of the PSHT martial arts group in Surabaya, Indonesia, dispersed peacefully on Friday evening after a tense standoff. The group had initially attempted to approach the office of a debt collector located on Jalan Teuku Umar, causing a temporary disruption.
I have conveyed that we are carrying out the legal process professionally. The perpetrator who is proven to have committed the criminal act of assault yesterday will be processed. And indeed, there is still one perpetrator whom we are still looking for.
According to Surabaya Police Chief Kombes Pol Luthfie Sulistiawan, the situation was managed without incident, and the crowd eventually dispersed. The primary reason for the gathering was to seek clarity on the legal process concerning an individual accused of assault, an act that had reportedly instigated the protest.
Sulistiawan assured the public that the legal proceedings against the debt collector accused of the assault are ongoing. He confirmed that while one suspect is still being sought by authorities, the police are committed to a professional and thorough investigation. "I have conveyed that we are carrying out the legal process professionally. The perpetrator who is proven to have committed the criminal act of assault yesterday will be processed. And indeed, there is still one perpetrator whom we are still looking for," he stated.
The point is, we have explained that the legal process is being carried out professionally. The perpetrator who is proven to have committed the criminal act of assault yesterday will be processed. And indeed, there is still one perpetrator whom we are still looking for.
The police chief also emphasized that there would be no preferential treatment in the case, ensuring that all citizens, especially victims, have the right to know about the progress of legal proceedings. He reiterated the Polrestabes Surabaya's commitment to professional law enforcement. Regarding reports of minor altercations, Sulistiawan dismissed them as mere miscommunication among the protesters, confirming no injuries occurred. The situation around Jalan Teuku Umar was reported as secure, although police presence remained.
The point is, we assure that there is no difference in treatment for all citizens of Surabaya, especially when they become victims, they have the right to know the legal process, and we have conveyed and assured that Polrestabes Surabaya is committed to carrying out law enforcement professionally.
Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.