Mita Amalia Hapsari, Muhammad Aulia Rahman, Jakarta – Police in the Indonesian capital have arrested more than 1,200 people following a week of violent protests marked by looting and vandalism, Jakarta Police Chief Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri said on Monday.

"As of today, the Jakarta Metropolitan Police have arrested around 1,240 people since the unrest began," Asep told reporters after meeting Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung and military officials at City Hall.

He said the detainees included individuals from neighboring provinces such as West Java and Banten, suspected of destroying public facilities, looting, and other violent acts. Peaceful demonstrators, however, were not targeted.

"The president, the national police chief, and the military commander instructed us to act firmly against all acts of anarchy and damage to public facilities. Peaceful protests remain welcome," Asep said, expressing hope that Jakarta would soon return to calm.

Police are also investigating the looting of homes belonging to four members of parliament and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati over the weekend. "We have identified suspects and will make arrests soon," Asep added.

Financial losses

Governor Pramono said the damage to public facilities in Jakarta alone amounted to Rp 55 billion ($3.3 million). This included Rp 3.3 billion in losses for the Jakarta MRT, about Rp 41.6 billion for the TransJakarta bus network, and Rp 5.5 billion for CCTV and other public infrastructure.

In total, 22 TransJakarta bus shelters were damaged, six of which were completely burned. Cleanup began on Saturday, and repairs are expected to be completed by September 9, Pramono said.

He added that more than 700 civilians were injured during the week of unrest in the capital.

Separately, National Police spokesman Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said the situation in Jakarta and other affected regions had "largely returned to normal." Joint patrols by police and the military have been deployed nationwide to reinforce security and public order.

"Many people have resumed their daily routines. Society can already feel that order is being restored," Trunoyudo said, urging the public to rely on credible media for information and avoid disinformation that could spark panic.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/jakarta-police-arrest-over-1200-rioters-after-week-of-unres