Jakarta, Bali Eyewitness News – Jakarta Metro Police have released 19 people detained in connection with demonstrations held on Wednesday, October 28, a police spokesperson said.
Prior to their release, the Director of General Criminal Investigation for the Jakarta Metro Police, Senior Commissioner Imron Ermawan, stated that the 19 individuals had been detained due to their alleged involvement in the unrest that occurred during a demonstration near the Bundaran HI (Hotel Indonesia Roundabout) area.
“We, from the General Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Jakarta Metro Police, confirm that we have taken 19 individuals into custody who are suspected of being involved in the demonstration that took place last Wednesday,” Imron told reporters on Thursday (October 29, 2026).
During the operation, police seized 12 cans of spray paint, which were allegedly intended for acts of vandalism in public spaces.
In the case of minors who were among those detained, investigators referred them to the Directorate for the Protection of Women and Children and the Eradication of Human Trafficking (PPA-PPO).
Separately, the Head of Public Relations for the Jakarta Metro Police, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, confirmed that all 19 individuals had completed the clarification process and had been returned to their families.
“That is correct. The 19 individuals who were previously detained in connection with the series of activities involving the expression of grievances on October 28, 2026, have been sent home,” Budi stated when confirmed on Thursday (October 29, 2026).
Budi explained that before being handed over to their families and representatives from the Legal Aid Institute (LBH), the demonstrators received preventive education and signed a statement pledging to uphold public order.
“The Jakarta Metro Police prioritizes a preventive and educational approach as part of a humanistic style of policing. Meanwhile, repressive law enforcement measures are reserved as a last resort, always taking into account the facts, evidence, and applicable legal provisions,” he concluded.
