M. Raihan Muzzaki, Jakarta – The head of the Central Jakarta Police, Commissioner General Susatyo Purnomo Condro, has urged participants of today's pro-Palestine rally to respect the rights of other citizens and maintain public order during their demonstration.
"We remind everyone exercising their right to free speech in public, as guaranteed by law, to also consider the rights of others and adhere to regulations governing public demonstrations," Susatyo said in a written statement on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
The police have deployed 1,722 personnel to secure the rally held around the Jakarta's National Monument (Monas) area. Officers are stationed not only to maintain security but also to manage traffic flow.
"If the situation escalates, we will close South Merdeka Street and divert traffic," he added.
Susatyo also advised motorists to avoid the Monas area. "Those traveling from the Horse Statue to Monas are advised to take the road in front of the Egyptian Embassy and use alternative routes," he said.
Tempo's observation found that most participants were dressed in white and black attire, carrying Palestinian flags and banners. The Monas and Horse Statue areas were crowded with demonstrators spread across several nearby streets.
The rally was organized jointly by community groups, youth organizations, and student movements to support the ceasefire plan in Gaza.
Syauki Hafiz, a member of the organizing committee for the "Indonesia Against Genocide" rally, said the event was initially intended to commemorate the third anniversary of Israel's attack on Gaza.
However, with reports of a potential ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the demonstration has shifted focus toward urging vigilance against renewed violence.
"We want Indonesia to play an active role in ensuring that genocide does not happen again, that ceasefire violations are prevented, and that no more wars erupt in Gaza," Syauki said in a written statement on Saturday, October 11.
He added that demonstrators are also calling on President Prabowo Subianto to fulfill his promise to send 20,000 peacekeeping personnel to Gaza without delay.
"There are concerns that any delay could be exploited by Israel to resume military operations," he said.
Syauki expressed hope that Indonesia's peacekeeping mission could soon help monitor the ceasefire and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.
He also called on the international community to take greater responsibility in maintaining peace and rebuilding Gaza.
"The world must ensure that the ceasefire holds, the genocide ends, and Gaza is rebuilt," he said.