Enhanced Security Across Indonesia: Military and Police Launch Nationwide Patrols

After large-scale demonstrations erupted in many parts of Indonesia, local governments further strengthened security measures, with police and military jointly launching large-scale patrols across the country.

On the 1st, groups of military and police officers carrying weapons and riding motorcycles could be seen patrolling the streets in central Jakarta. Armored vehicles were parked near some shopping malls and densely populated communities.

Indonesian President Prabowo has issued orders requiring the military and police to resolutely uphold social order in accordance with the law, protect public safety and public facilities.

Currently, the Indonesian National Police, together with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (which include the army, navy, and air force), have increased patrols nationwide to maintain social security and prevent issues such as looting that may arise after chaos. The Indonesian military and police emphasized that they will not tolerate any form of violence or destruction, and those attempting to loot or damage public facilities during the unrest will be dealt with decisively.

The national police and armed forces have set up tents and stationed armored vehicles with 500 fully equipped personnel around the Jakarta Parliament building. On the same day, the Jakarta police also deployed 350 officers to patrol deep into alleyways of residential areas.

At the local level, armed military and police in Semarang patrolled the streets to increase residents' sense of security; 265 military and police personnel, along with patrol vehicles, were deployed in Surabaya to strengthen control of key areas; while in Palembang, large-scale night patrols were organized by military and police, covering multiple districts.

The National Police Headquarters reported on the 1st that preliminary data shows nationwide police have arrested 3,195 individuals involved in the riotous demonstrations, of whom 387 have been released, 55 have been formally charged as suspects, and the remaining 2,753 are under investigation.

On the 1st, Acting Jakarta Governor Pramono stated that recent demonstrations in Jakarta have resulted in direct property losses of 55 billion Rupiah (about 14.2 million ringgit), and 716 people were injured.

He said at a press conference that the protests caused serious damage to public transportation and infrastructure in Jakarta, with 22 bus stations (including both BRT and non-BRT stops) and one toll gate entrance/exit destroyed. Of these, 6 stations were looted and set on fire, and 16 were deliberately vandalized or spray-painted, mainly affecting two local state-owned enterprises. In addition, a large number of surveillance cameras were also destroyed.

Since August 30, the Jakarta government has launched public facility cleaning and repair work. Currently, lightly damaged stations have been cleaned and will soon enter the repair phase; moderately and severely damaged stations are expected to be repaired by around September 8.

Pramono pointed out that the medical expenses of the 716 people injured in the protests will be fully covered by the local government.

The Jakarta police stated that since the outbreak of the demonstrations, 1,240 people have been arrested, all of whom come from outside Jakarta. Police are currently chasing suspects involved in destruction and looting.

Pramono denied online rumors that "Jakarta may face a food shortage," and emphasized that Jakarta's food reserves are sufficient to last at least until the end of October and will not be affected by the demonstrations.

United Nations Urges Investigation Into Deadly Protests

The United Nations has called for an investigation into protests in Indonesia that led to six deaths.

On the 1st, Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, issued a statement: "We are closely monitoring a series of violent incidents that occurred during protests over dissatisfaction with lawmakers' allowances and austerity measures, as well as alleged unnecessary or disproportionate use of force by security forces in Indonesia."

Shamdasani stressed the importance of addressing public concerns through dialogue.

She said the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights calls for prompt, thorough and transparent investigations into "all alleged violations of international human rights law, including the use of force." All security forces, including the military performing law enforcement duties, must adhere to the basic principles on police use of force and firearms.

At least 20 people went missing during the protests in Indonesia.

The Commission for Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) issued a statement on the 2nd, saying that according to public reports submitted to KontraS, as of September 1, a total of 23 people had gone missing. After searching and verification, 20 still have not been found.

The statement noted that the 20 missing persons disappeared in the cities of Bandung, Depok, and Jakarta, as well as one incident at an "unknown location."