Polda Metro deploys 9,242 personnel, 21 detained ahead of BEM UI rally
Police seized flares, firecrackers and bottles allegedly prepared to ignite Molotov cocktails; traffic in Jakarta was adjusted as needed.
Polda Metro Jaya deployed 9,242 joint personnel to secure 31 public demonstrations and 16 community activities in Jakarta on Tuesday, including a BEM UI protest at Bundaran HI. Ahead of the rally, police detained 21 people who were questioned by the Polda Metro Jaya General Criminal Investigation Directorate on suspicion of carrying flares, firecrackers and bottles said to have been prepared as triggers for Molotov cocktails. Polda Metro Jaya Public Relations chief Budi Hermanto said officers were prohibited from carrying firearms and were instructed to maintain a professional and humane approach. The security operation involved 5,670 Polda Metro Jaya personnel, 222 local police personnel, 1,500 TNI personnel and 1,850 personnel seconded from Mabes Polri. Traffic diversions around Bundaran HI, Monas and Jalan Merdeka Selatan will be implemented situationally.