August 27, 2026 | 07:41 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A total of 63 school and college students were arrested ahead of the protest at the parliament complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta. The police claimed these students were affiliated with the Anarko group and intended to 'hijack' the rally organized by the United Pati Society Alliance (AMPB) today.
"They are students. Some are vocational high school students," said the Jakarta Metro Police's director of general crimes investigation, Grand Commissioner Iman Imanuddin, during a press conference at the police headquarters on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
Overall, the Jakarta Metro Police arrested 65 people before the protest began, but two were detained in separate, but suspectedly linked, cases.
The head of public relations of the Jakarta Metro Police, Grand Commissioner Budi Hermanto, said the arrests were part of preventive measures ahead of the rally.
According to the police, the 65 arrestees were divided into two clusters: the 63 students were gathered at a music event in Kalimalang, East Jakarta, to "hijack" the protest; and two others were allegedly manipulating cyber data to appear authentic.
"We are still learning whether the 65 people detained were part of those trying to express their aspirations," said Budi.
From 63 students, police seized evidence including alcohol, sharp weapons, drugs, airguns, slingshots, megaphones, fuel-filled jerry cans, backpacks, and spray paint.
The police also seized four banners containing information about a charity music event for East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). On two of the banners, there were writings 'Charity for NTT' and 'Charity gigs for NTT.'
Based on the information on the banners, the event was held in Kalimalang, East Jakarta, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
Budi explained that some of the items seized by the police were those banned during a gathering to publicly express opinions, according to Law Number 9 of 1998. Iman explained that the police had conducted mapping and monitoring before arresting these individuals.
According to Budi, those arrested were gradually consolidating to exploit the protest organized by Pati residents. Police findings indicated that the group was gathering to strengthen narratives, collect donations, plan mobilization, and prepare the facilities that will be used during the protest.
During this consolidation phase, according to police findings, there were efforts to "align the narrative" that will be raised to the public, one of which was the adoption of the Asset Seizure Bill.
Currently, the Jakarta Metro Police is still investigating the roles of the 63 people who were arrested. Meanwhile, two people arrested by the Cyber Crime Investigation Directorate have been designated as suspects.
Read: Jakarta Police Detain 65 Ahead of Protest at DPR
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