Jakarta – The Jakarta Police have arrested 15 people for their alleged involvement in a protest that turned violent initiated by the Tolikara Red-and-White Squad outside the Home Ministry in Gambir, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday afternoon.
Protesters reportedly threw rocks at the building, causing damage to facilities and vehicles.
"After monitoring the scene, police arrested 15 people. We are still looking for another alleged perpetrator," Jakarta Police general crimes director Nico Afinta said as quoted by wartakota.tribunnews.com.
The suspects will be charged under Article 170 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) on attacking and injuring others, he said.
Separately, Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo said the protest was over an election dispute in Tolikara, Papua. The protesters demanded the ministry not inaugurate Usman Wanimbo and Dinus Wanimbo as regent and deputy regent.
"We can't postpone the inauguration for too long as doing so would disrupt the administration and public service. The Constitutional Court has made a decision concerning the elected pair," Tjahjo said. (cal)