Why Did Police Arrest 63 Students Ahead of Jakarta Protest?
The police suspect the students intended to exploit the protest organized by Pati residents in front of the DPR building.
At a press conference held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, the Jakarta Metro Police's director of general crimes investigation, Grand Commissioner Iman Imanuddin, revealed that 63 students were arrested ahead of a protest at the parliament complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta. The police alleged that these students were associated with the Anarko group and planned to disrupt the rally organized by the United Pati Society Alliance (AMPB).
Additionally, two other individuals were detained on suspicion of manipulating cyber data. Overall, 65 people were arrested before the protest commenced.
The head of public relations for the Jakarta Metro Police, Grand Commissioner Budi Hermanto, stated that the arrests were part of preventive measures taken prior to the rally. The arrested students and individuals were divided into two groups: the 63 students were found at a music event in Kalimalang, East Jakarta, allegedly intending to hijack the protest, while the two others were suspected of creating fake cyber data to appear genuine. Police have not determined whether all 65 detainees were involved in expressing their aspirations.
During the search, the police seized various items, including alcohol, sharp weapons, drugs, airguns, slingshots, megaphones, fuel-filled containers, backpacks, and spray paint. Four banners were also seized, bearing messages for a charity music event for East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). One banner read "Charity for NTT" and the other stated "Charity gigs for NTT." The event was reportedly held in Kalimalang, East Jakarta, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
Iman noted that the police had conducted mapping and monitoring before making the arrests. According to Budi, the arrested individuals were gradually grouping together to manipulate the protest organized by Pati residents. They were seeking to strengthen their narrative, collect donations, plan mobilization, and prepare facilities for the protest. In this consolidation phase, the police found evidence of efforts to align their narrative and adopt the Asset Seizure Bill.
As of now, the Jakarta Metro Police continues to investigate the roles of the 63 arrested individuals. Two suspects, who were detained by the Cyber Crime Investigation Directorate, have been designated as suspects.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
