Vedro Imanuel Girsang, Jakarta – Indonesian military personnel joined police in securing a student protest in Central Jakarta on Friday, June 12, as hundreds of demonstrators attempted to march toward the Hotel Indonesia (HI) Roundabout.
According to Tempo's observations at the scene, members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) were deployed behind the front line of police officers and helped maintain a security perimeter around the protest. Soldiers were also seen pushing back demonstrators who tried to move past the barricades.
At one point, military personnel formed part of a security cordon that prevented protesters from advancing toward the HI Roundabout, redirecting them back toward the Semanggi area.
"Soldiers need to be strong," a TNI field commander was heard telling his troops.
Students protest military presence
The involvement of military personnel prompted objections from demonstrators, who argued that the TNI should not be involved in policing civilian protests.
"TNI, return to the barracks," one student speaker shouted through a loudspeaker.
As of 4:45 p.m. local time, hundreds of students remained blocked by a joint TNI-Police barricade outside the Thamrin Nine complex on Sudirman Avenue. The protesters were prevented from reaching the HI Roundabout, their originally planned demonstration site.
Anandaku Dimas Rumi, chair of the Student Executive Board of the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Law (BEM FH UI), said police had obstructed the march without providing a clear explanation.
"They just laughed when we asked them to open the road," Dimas told Tempo.
He also alleged that some students faced difficulties accessing nearby locations to perform Friday prayers after being diverted by security personnel.
Police cite public order concerns
Jakarta Metropolitan Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Budi Hermanto said demonstrations are not permitted at the HI Roundabout because the area is not designated for public rallies.
"The location is not intended as a site for expressing public aspirations," Budi said on Friday.
He said the HI Roundabout serves as a major hub for economic activity and public events in the capital. Police had therefore directed organizers to alternative protest locations, including the Arjuna Wijaya (Horse) Statue area and the parliamentary complex.
"The Intelligence Directorate of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police has coordinated with relevant parties so that demonstrations can be redirected to the Horse Statue area or in front of the DPR/MPR building," Budi said.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2108274/students-tell-military-to-return-to-the-barracks-at-jakarta-protes