22 Provocateurs Arrested During Riot Demonstration In Pati Are Now Released By Central Java Police

The car that was burned by the mob during a riot in Pati, Central Java (DOK ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The police arrested 22 people during a demonstration in front of the Pati Regent's Office, Wednesday, August 13. They are suspected of being provocateurs so that the action becomes chaotic.

"It is true that 22 foreign anarchist provocateurs were arrested yesterday," said Head of Public Relations of the Central Java Police, Kombes Artanto to VOI, Thursday, August 14.

However, it was not conveyed in detail about the identities of the dozens of people referred to as provocateurs.

It was only stated that they had been returned to their families. Of course, with conditions that must be met such as guarantor and so on.

"Last night after data collection and examination, the 22 people were returned to their families with corlap guarantees and their families," said Artanto.

Previously, the police also noted damage to facilities, including one Police vehicle from Propam which was burned by the masses.

Regarding the victim, temporary data shows 38 people were injured and received treatment at Soewondo Hospital.

In detail, nine members of the National Police suffered lacerations, bruises, and dislocations, while 29 residents experienced shortness of breath and abrasions. Most of the victims have been allowed to go home.

Artanto confirmed that until the afternoon no one died.

"On average, the victim experienced shortness of breath due to the tear gas used to disperse the crowd. So far, there have been no deaths," he said.

Meanwhile, the demonstration was triggered by public anger over the policy of increasing Land and Building Taxes (PBB) by 250 percent.

In addition, the public considers the attitude of the Regent of Sudewo to be too arrogant and issuing policies that do not side with the people.