Andrew Tito, Jakarta – Indonesian police said Monday that the security situation in Jakarta and other regions has returned to "conducive" levels after a week of violent demonstrations, as joint patrols by police, soldiers, and community groups were rolled out to prevent further unrest.
National Police spokesman Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said large-scale patrols had already been carried out across the capital by Jakarta Police and the local military command. "We continue to take preemptive, preventive, and law enforcement measures nationwide. At present, the situation is conducive. People are back to work, and daily activity is returning to normal," Trunoyudo told reporters at police headquarters.
The patrols, involving some 350 personnel, began Sunday evening across Jakarta. Officers were deployed not only along major roads but also into smaller neighborhoods to ensure coverage across the city. Patrols are rotated every two to three hours with shifting routes to increase visibility and deterrence.
"Our aim is to maintain safety and comfort in the city environment," said Jakarta Police operations chief I Ketut Gede Wijatmika, adding that civic organizations such as Laskar Merah Putih and Forkabi were also involved to build community participation. "Security is not only the responsibility of the police or the military, but of all of us," he said.
Deputy National Police Chief Dedi Prasetyo said the nationwide patrol order followed instructions from National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, with support from the Indonesian Armed Forces. "The goal is clear, to protect the public from rioters and anarchic actors," Dedi said.
Jakarta Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri said authorities had arrested 1,240 people linked to the unrest, many of whom came from outside the capital, including West Java and Banten. He stressed that police distinguished between violent rioters and peaceful demonstrators.
"Those who protested peacefully were not disturbed. But anyone engaging in vandalism or violence will be dealt with firmly," he said after a meeting with Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung and military leaders at City Hall.
Police said they had also identified individuals involved in looting the homes of senior officials and pledged swift arrests. "We have detected the perpetrators of vandalism and looting. Just wait, they will be dealt with firmly," Asep said, adding that details would be released once operations were completed.
Authorities said the unrest, marked by stone-throwing, arson, and vandalism of public facilities, has now been brought under control. By Monday morning, traffic on Jakarta's arterial roads and tollways had resumed normal flow, with officials urging the public to rely on credible media to avoid misinformation that could spark panic.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/business/jakarta-police-roll-out-largescale-patrols-after-riot
