Hendro D Situmorang, Jakarta – Jakarta police said Friday that the release of detained protesters linked to recent demonstrations cannot be carried out immediately, stressing that legal procedures must be followed.

"We will see. Investigators are still working based on the evidence collected," Jakarta Police spokesman Chief Commissioner Ade Ary Syam Indradi told reporters as students rallied outside the parliament complex on Friday.

The protests turned violent between Aug. 28 and 31, resulting in mass arrests. Ade said investigations were ongoing to establish who was involved in criminal acts during the unrest.

"So far, 43 suspects have been named. Of them, 42 are adults and one is under 18," Ade said. "Thirty-seven are accused of vandalizing public facilities, while six are suspected of inciting violence. All six alleged instigators are in custody."

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Police said 38 suspects have been formally detained. One person has been placed on a wanted list, another is being held by the cybercrime unit, two have been released under mandatory reporting conditions, and the minor suspect was not detained.

Ade said that police are still pursuing what he called the "masterminds" behind the unrest in Jakarta. "We are committed to uncovering the key actors behind these riots," he said. "The investigation is ongoing so that we can determine who orchestrated these events."

The police position comes as students and civil society groups continue to press for the fulfillment of the "17+8 people's demands," which include halting police violence against demonstrators, ending the criminalization of protests, and withdrawing military involvement from civilian affairs.

Ade said uncovering the organizers was crucial to ensuring security in the capital. "Investigators are deepening the case to make sure the masterminds are truly identified," he concluded.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/jakarta-police-say-protester-release-must-follow-legal-proces