Ichsan Ali, Jakarta – University students from various campuses staged a protest in front of the House of Representatives (DPR) complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday afternoon. They began their demonstration shortly after the labor rally dispersed.
Field observations showed that student groups began arriving at the DPR building around 1:53 p.m. They marched in formation, carrying banners and flags representing their respective universities.
Students came from several campuses, including Indraprasta PGRI University, Pancasila University, and Pamulang University. Most wore their university jackets to identify their campuses.
To avoid traffic congestion, TransJakarta operations were once again diverted and unable to pass through the road in front of the DPR complex. Buses were rerouted onto the toll road. Earlier, police had briefly allowed TransJakarta buses to resume routes in front of the DPR building after the labor protest ended, including routes 9 (Pluit – Pinang Ranti), 3F (Kalideres – Senayan Bank DKI), and T31 (PIK 2 – Blok M).
Meanwhile, Head of Public Relations at Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Police, Commissioner Ade Ary Syam Indradi, reminded demonstrators that speeches were only permitted until 6:00 p.m., in line with regulations on public assembly. Protesters were urged to comply with the rule.
He said Metro Jaya Police had already communicated the regulation to the demonstrators and was confident that they understood the time limit.
"The main principle of this security operation is that the Jakarta Metropolitan Police expects all officers to act humanely and not engage in counterproductive behavior," Ade Ary was quoted by Antara as saying.
While maintaining a positive outlook on the protest, he stressed that if acts of anarchy occurred, the police had their own procedures to handle the situation.
He also urged the public to monitor the official TMC Metro Jaya Police social media accounts for traffic updates, as traffic diversions might be imposed due to the protest.
"We apologize in advance if, due to situational needs, traffic diversions are carried out. This is for the sake of order and safety," he said.
He emphasized that all police measures in the field were aimed at ensuring smooth traffic flow, public safety, and security.
"The public should not worry. We are on the ground, ready to provide services and security – not only for the demonstrators at the DPR building but also for community members carrying out activities nearby," he concluded.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/students-from-multiple-campuses-rally-at-dpr-after-labor-demonstratio