Police Crack Down on Student Protests, Redirecting March to Pattimura Monument and DPR Building

Kapolda Metro Jaya Komjen Asep Suheri led a security assembly to oversee student demonstrations near the People’s Representative Council (DPR) building in Jakarta on June 12, 2026, emphasizing a “humanistic service” approach to manage the event, according to detikNews. The measures included diverting protesters from Bundaran HI to the Patung Kuda monument or the DPR complex, as reported by multiple outlets including Tribrata News and CNN Indonesia.

Security Coordination and Humanistic Approach

Kapolda Metro Jaya Komjen Asep Suheri directed police units to ensure the demonstration proceeded without conflict, stating that “the police will provide humanistic service to all participants,” as quoted by detikNews. This approach aligns with broader efforts by the Police Directorate General (Polri) to balance public order with respect for constitutional rights, according to a statement from the National Police spokesperson. The directive came as students from the BEM UI (University of Indonesia Student Council) organized a protest over alleged government policy grievances, with some groups attempting to gather near Bundaran HI.

Officers coordinated with the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) to manage crowd flow, with police units deploying intelligence personnel to monitor the situation, as noted by Tribrata News. The demonstration was initially planned to pass through Senayan, but authorities redirected participants to avoid congestion at Bundaran HI, a central Jakarta landmark. “We prioritize safety and efficiency, ensuring protesters can express their views without disrupting daily activities,” a police official said, citing CNN Indonesia.

Demonstration Route and Alternative Pathways

The BEM UI announced the closure of the Semanggi overpass on June 12 to facilitate the demonstration, according to Bisnis.com. Protesters were advised to use alternative routes, including the Jalan Jendral Sudirman corridor, to avoid traffic disruptions. The move followed similar actions during previous student-led protests, where temporary road closures were implemented to manage large gatherings, as documented by local traffic authorities.

Police confirmed that no arrests were made during the demonstration, with officers focusing on guiding participants rather than enforcing restrictions. “Our priority is to ensure the demonstration remains peaceful and orderly,” said a police spokesperson, citing detikNews. The humanistic service policy, emphasized by Kapolda Suheri, includes providing first aid, water, and rest areas for protesters, according to Tribrata News.

Context of Student Protests in Jakarta

The demonstration occurred amid heightened student activism in Jakarta, with BEM UI members criticizing government policies on education and public services. Earlier in June 2026, similar protests were held at the DPR building, where students demanded transparency in legislative processes. The current event marked the third such gathering in the capital this year, according to data from the Jakarta Police Department.

Local authorities have maintained a dialogue with student leaders to address concerns, with representatives from BEM UI confirming discussions with police and DPR officials. “We appreciate the police’s efforts to ensure our rights are protected while maintaining public safety,” said a BEM UI delegate, as reported by CNN Indonesia. The group has not yet specified the exact demands of the protest, but previous demonstrations have focused on budget allocations and administrative reforms.

Residents near the DPR complex reported minimal disruptions, with police and TNI personnel managing traffic and crowd movement. The humanistic service strategy, introduced in 2025, has been credited with reducing tensions during large-scale protests, according to a 2025 Polri report. However, critics argue that the approach may not always prevent clashes, citing incidents in 2023 where protests turned violent despite similar measures.