Jakarta Police Prepare Security Ahead of Planned Demonstration

Police Deny Attempted Arrest of Community Coordinator

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police denied claims that officers attempted to arrest Supriyono during the demonstration. Chief of Public Relations of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, Commissioner Budi Hermanto, stated that Mr. Supriyono alias Botok was neither arrested nor detained by the police on Monday, August 24, 2026. According to Commissioner Budi Hermanto, the Intelligence and Security Unit of the Central Jakarta Police had communicated with Botok prior to the protest regarding administrative requirements for the group’s planned activities. Budi stated that the Pati community indicated they did not plan to gather to express opinions, but rather to collect logistical support and pay a visit. Police suggested that the group obtain formal permits, to which Botok responded positively, requesting police accompaniment to the Jakarta Metropolitan Regional Police using official vehicles. Budi explained that as the group prepared to depart, some individuals mistakenly believed Botok was being taken into custody. Budi asserted that officers were present to explain administrative permit procedures rather than carry out an arrest, and the departure was eventually canceled due to the increasingly crowded situation. Observations by Tempo at the location indicated that the crowd dispersed at approximately 4:17 p.m. local time. Demonstrators boarded a white bus featuring a shattered front window, which was damaged by bricks thrown while en route to Jakarta.

Dispute Over Blocked Bank Accounts

The demonstration followed an earlier incident on Thursday, August 21, 2026, when Botok’s bank account was blocked while he accompanied residents at a protest outside the House of Representatives building. The restricted account held approximately Rp80.9 million, equivalent to $4,800, comprising personal funds and public donations intended for protester expenses such as food, transportation, and accommodation. The restriction left residents who traveled from Pati without access to funds set aside for operational needs. Bank Mandiri issued an apology through a comment on its official Instagram account, stating that the action was taken in response to a request from law enforcement authorities and in accordance with applicable procedures and regulations, though the bank did not specify which agency made the request. The Jakarta Metropolitan Police subsequently confirmed submitting a request letter to Bank Mandiri to suspend transactions on Botok’s account, clarifying that the submission was for a transaction suspension rather than an outright blocking order.