National Police Chief: Indonesia Successfully Overcomes the "Gray August" Phenomenon

JAKARTA - National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo said Indonesia managed to pass through the riot phenomenon that occurred at the end of August 2025, which is often referred to as "Grey August". According to him, this condition is parallel to the wave of riots that occurred in a number of other countries.

This was conveyed by the National Police Chief at the 2025 Year-End Release event held at the Rupatama Building of the National Police Headquarters, Jakarta, Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

"Some time ago, we, Indonesia, also experienced the same thing, especially during the events at the end of August which we usually call "Grey August" or "Dark September", but we all, Indonesia, were able to overcome all these challenges so that the events that occurred can be immediately overcome," said Listyo when giving information, at the 2025 Police RAT event.

Listyo explained that the international world at that time was also faced with the phenomenon of riots in various countries with serious impacts on security, social stability, and the economy.

In Nepal, riots occurred on September 8-14, 2025 which was triggered by issues of hatred and anti-corruption demands. This situation led the local government to make policies on a number of social media platforms.

"It has an impact on 72 people who died, it also has an impact on the economy, almost half of Nepal's GDP is affected, the currency weakened 0.13%, the hospitality sector, the automotive sector suffered trillions in losses, and economic growth also fell far below 1%," he explained.

In terms of security, continued Listyo, there were various acts of vandalism, arson, looting, and a decline in public confidence in government institutions and the media.

"The security impact comes in the form of various types of vandalism, arson, looting, and the emergence of public distrust of government institutions and the media," he explained.

Meanwhile, in Myanmar, on December 11, 2025, riots occurred due to increased territorial operations by the resistance group.

"Affected by the economy, the budget deficit reached 6.9% of GDP, and public distrust in the government and state, as well as society, so that they cannot carry out normal activities," he added.

Meanwhile, in Brazil, precisely on October 28, 2025, there was a shootout in Rio de Janeiro between police and drug cartels. The incident resulted in the death of five officers and 121 residents.

According to Listyo, the riots paralyzed economic activity, disrupted transportation, triggered arson and attacks on police stations, and caused a collapse in public confidence in the state and the law.

"All of this is part of a global challenge that cannot be avoided," he said.

The National Police Chief added that Indonesia also faced a similar situation at the end of August 2025. However, thanks to the hard work of all parties, the situation can be immediately overcome and serious impacts can be mitigated so that it does not develop as it did in other countries.

"We can maintain kamtibmas stability, security conditions can be restored, and the community can return to normal activities," he concluded.