Ilham Oktafian, Jakarta – The Jakarta Police have identified a total of nine suspects in connection with the vandalism and assault on a political discussion at the Grand Kemang Hotel in South Jakarta late last month.
Jakarta Police spokesman Ade Ary Syam Indradi revealed the suspects' initials and outlined their roles in the incident, which occurred during a gathering of government critics on September 28.
FEK was identified as the "field coordinator." GW, YL, WSL, RAS, and FMC were accused of vandalizing property, including microphones, a projector screen, a meeting table, and a banner. MR allegedly assaulted hotel security personnel, while RR and YS were accused of shouting insults at the meeting participants and ordering them to leave, Ade said.
Police have seized iron bars used in the attack and reviewed footage from the hotel's security cameras as part of the investigation, he added.
The incident unfolded as a group of attackers stormed the venue, assaulting hotel security guards who tried to stop them. Once inside the meeting room, they reportedly vandalized the stage backdrop, damaged microphones, and ordered the participants to leave.
The event, organized by the Love Motherland Forum (Cinta Tanah Air), featured speakers known for their critical views of the government, including social media figure Refly Harun, politician Marwan Batubara, former government official Said Didu, and former Muhammadiyah Chairman Din Syamsuddin.
The attackers allegedly accused the participants of sowing division and claimed that the gathering was held without proper permits. Several of the perpetrators are believed to have stayed at the hotel the night before and participated in a rally outside the venue prior to the attack.
In an interview with a local broadcaster, Refly Harun said the attackers called the forum's participants "traitors" and hurled insults during the raid. He clarified that the forum was a peaceful gathering meant for exchanging views and did not require a permit, emphasizing that the right to assembly is guaranteed by the Constitution.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/number-of-suspects-in-hotel-attack-rises-to-nin