Vedro Imanuel Girsang, Jakarta – Jakarta Metro Jaya Police's Head of Public Relations, Commissioner Grand Ade Ary Syam Indradi, claimed that infiltrators were responsible for provoking unrest during the International Labor Day rally in Jakarta on May 1, 2025.
He said these individuals threw objects toward the toll road near the House of Representatives.
"They have caused disturbances and engaged in anarchic acts," Ade stated during a press conference on Friday, May 2, 2025.
Ade emphasized that the demonstrators' actions disrupted public order and clearly violated the law, classifying the incident as a criminal offense.
"They threw objects, endangering the safety of passing motorists," he added.
However, Ade said the police had yet to confirm whether the incident caused any casualties, either among the public or law enforcement personnel.
"We have not received any information. Hopefully, there are none," he said.
Following the incident, the police detained 14 protesters and brought them to the Jakarta Metro Jaya Police Headquarters for further investigation.
Responding to the arrests, Yulianto Behar Nggali Mara from the Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD) denied that those apprehended were involved in any violent actions, including throwing objects.
"We don't know who, but those being examined are not the ones apprehended. They did not launch any attacks," Yulianto stated at the Jakarta Metro Jaya Police Headquarters on Friday, May 2, 2025.
During the Labor Day rally in front of the House building in Central Jakarta, a clash broke out. Police deployed water cannons to disperse the demonstrators.
Tempo's observations at the scene indicated that the unrest was triggered by provocations from the crowd, who set off fireworks and hurled bamboo sticks and bottles at officers. The police responded by pushing back and using water cannons.
The tension escalated as protesters continued to throw objects and fire more fireworks, prompting the arrest of several participants.
– Ade Ridwan Yandwiputra contributed to the writing of this article.