Polda Metro Jaya press conference regarding the detention of 322 individuals suspected of inciting unrest during a protest.

progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA – The Polda Metro Jaya detained 322 individuals in connection with the unrest that occurred after the conclusion of a protest in front of the DPR/MPR (House of Representatives/People’s Consultative Assembly) building yesterday. These hundreds of individuals are currently being questioned, and 45 of them have already been named suspects.

“Based on the data collected, a total of 322 people were detained for questioning. Regarding age groups, 162 adults—aged approximately 18 to 40—are being handled by the Polda Metro Jaya General Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimum), while 160 minors—aged 12 to 19—are being handled by the Women and Children Protection (PPA) and Women and Children Services (PPO) Directorate,” explained the Head of Public Relations for the Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Pol Bhudi Hermanto, during a press conference at his office in Jakarta on Friday, August 28, 2026.

At the same event, the Director of General Criminal Investigation for the Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Pol Iman Imanuddin, provided further details regarding the 322 detained individuals.

“At this time, the Polda Metro Jaya have questioned 315 people who were present at a location near the DPR RI building when the unrest occurred on August 27, 2026,” Kombes Pol Iman explained.

He stated, that the hundreds of detained individuals are suspected of instigating unrest and committing acts of vandalism following the conclusion of the protest in front of the DPR building on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Investigators subsequently categorized the detained individuals into seven clusters.

“The first is the minor cluster—those under the age of 18. Investigators from the Polda Metro Jaya General Criminal Investigation Directorate have transferred 153 minors to the Women and Children Protection and Services Directorate (Ditres PPA-PPO) for further in-depth processing,” he said.

Three of the 153 detained minors are female. He detailed the breakdown of the 153 children as follows:
• 25 school dropouts
• 2 children aged 12
• 1 child aged 13
• 3 children aged 14
• 23 children aged 15
• 47 children aged 16
• 64 children aged 17
• 10 children aged 18

The second cluster consists of ordinary rioters involved in the riot incident. Investigators have questioned 91 adults who participated in the rioting in front of the DPR RI building.

The third cluster comprises the crowd that engaged in the destruction of public facilities and acts of assault. Investigators questioned 71 individuals suspected of damaging public facilities and committing assault following the events of August 27.

“Based on the results of the investigation—specifically the evidence and witness testimonies gathered during the process—we have currently named 45 individuals as suspects,” said Kombes Pol Iman.

The fourth cluster consists of the group carrying sharp weapons. Of the 45 suspects involved in property damage and assault, three were found to be carrying sharp weapons.

“Those three were found carrying sharp weapons during the riot. Naturally, those weapons were also used to commit assaults against people or damage property,” Kombes Pol Iman stated.

The fifth cluster involves the instigators and financiers. Kombes Pol Iman noted, that investigators have uncovered legal evidence indicating the involvement of parties who instigated and provided funding for the riot.

The sixth cluster consists of mass recruiters. Kombes Pol Iman stated, that investigators have uncovered legal evidence regarding a group tasked with seeking out and recruiting the crowds utilized during the riots.

“The modus operandi employed by the individuals we have named as suspects involved the destruction of public facilities, assault against persons and property, acts of violence against people or property in public spaces, acting in groups to incite chaos, and the misuse of sharp weapons,” Kombes Pol Iman explained.

Currently, investigators are also looking into parties who utilized or exploited children to carry out unlawful activities.

“This is because such actions potentially violate norms established in child protection laws regarding the involvement and exploitation of children,” he added.

Investigators Probe Involvement of Children

On the same occasion, the Director of the Women and Children Protection (PPA) and Human Trafficking (PPO) of the Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Pol Rita Wulandari Wibowo stated, that her team is currently still conducting further inquiries regarding the detained children.

She noted, that some children are still waiting to be picked up by their parents. Additionally, investigators identified a number of children who appeared to harbor the intent to carry out actions capable of causing serious consequences.

“Among the group, we are processing five children who showed strong indications of intending to commit acts that would have a significant impact,” said Kombes Pol Rita.

According to her, these five children allegedly carried fuel—specifically gasoline mixed with dried bintaro (sea mango) fruit.

This mixture, she continued, was allegedly prepared to be set alight and thrown into the crowd.

Furthermore, investigators identified children in conflict with the law who allegedly participated in attacks. Investigators are currently examining the evidence and determining the specific role played by each child. Kombes Pol Rita emphasized, that the proceedings involving the minors are being conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Juvenile Criminal Justice System Law. During questioning, the minors are accompanied by professional social workers and other relevant parties.

The Polda Metro Jaya have also coordinated with the Ministry of Social Affairs, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children (UPT PPA), and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the handling process complies with regulations.

“Minors suspected of being perpetrators will be accompanied by community guidance officers during the questioning process,” she stated.

In addition to receiving support, the minors will undergo assessments, and a community background report may be issued.

These findings will serve as a basis for determining how the case is handled moving forward.
The Polda Metro Jaya stated, that the questioning of all detained individuals is currently ongoing.

Investigators will determine the legal status of each individual based on facts, witness testimonies, and evidence gathered during the investigation. (Bembo)