East Java Police Hunt For Social Media Provocateurs Case Of PPKM Operation Chaos In Bulak Banteng Surabaya

SURABAYA - Police are hunting for another suspect, in the case of the Emergency PPKM operation riot in Bulak Banteng, Surabaya. Previously, the police had arrested a man with the initials E, the owner of a coffee shop suspected of triggering the riots.

"We are still developing the case. We are still hunting for other suspects, who became provocateurs who acted on social media," said Head of Public Relations of the East Java Police, Kombes Gatot Repli Handoko in Surabaya, Monday, July 12.

To avoid a similar situation, Kombes Gatot said the number of personnel would be increased, especially in the Bulak Banteng area, to discipline the public in implementing health protocols. He ensured that the police together with the TNI and the local government would continue to carry out justice operations.

"Today we also provide basic food assistance in the Bulak Banteng area," he said.

Previously, a video circulated on social media of residents' resistance in the Bulak Banteng area, Surabaya, when the Emergency PPKM operation was carried out. In the one-minute video, the joint task force car from the police was chased by residents and ordered to leave Bulak Banteng.

Residents left their homes, including shop and shop owners who threw harsh words at the officers. "Quickly get out of here, let's all get out of the house," said one resident who sounded loud.

The riots occurred on Saturday night, July 10, when the joint task force carried out patrols and controls for residents who violated the Emergency PPKM rules.

Residents threw stones at the police patrol car. While continuing to move, the residents mobilized other residents to participate in expelling the task force.

From the video, it can also be seen that some residents are not wearing masks. They also rushed to the car and pushed them out of the Bulak Banteng area. The police then arrested one suspect with the initials E, who is the owner of a warkop.