Prabowo: Police Sometimes Make Mistakes, But Rioters Are Clearly at Fault

President Prabowo Subianto visited victims of the demonstration at the National Police Hospital in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta, Monday (September 1, 2025). ANTARA/HO-Presidential Secretariat Press Bureau

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto stated that in carrying out their duties, police sometimes make mistakes and act out of necessity. He stated that the parties clearly at fault are those who incite riots that result in innocent victims.

President Prabowo stated that for this reason, he visited the injured victims of the demonstrations that turned violent in Jakarta last week, who are currently being treated at the National Police Hospital in East Jakarta.

"I came because the police sometimes uphold the law, sometimes they make mistakes, sometimes they act under duress. If there are victims, the ones truly at fault are those who incite riots that harm innocent people," said President Prabowo Subianto during a press conference after visiting victims of the demonstrations at the National Police Hospital in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta, on Monday, September 1.

President Prabowo emphasized that the National Police Chief will take firm action against those who clearly commit errors in their duties.

Currently, an investigation into officers who committed violations, particularly during the dispersal of the protest on Thursday (August 28) evening, is ongoing.

However, this doesn't mean that officers who are on duty day and night, even those who have suffered serious injuries, are committing the same mistakes.

"If there are mistakes, they will be prosecuted, but don't forget the dozens of officers who have sacrificed themselves; the police work day and night to maintain security throughout the country. So, as Head of State and Head of Government, I feel compelled to visit them; their families, their parents, and their children are there," said Prabowo.

As a token of appreciation, President Prabowo Subianto also ordered National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo to grant extraordinary promotions to police officers who were victims of the series of demonstrations that ended in chaos in several regions.

"I told the National Police Chief that I request that all officers be promoted. Extraordinary promotions because they served in the field defending the country, defending the people, and confronting elements of violence," Prabowo said.

In addition to the promotion, Prabowo also requested that the victims receive other awards, including opportunities for further education and full support for their families.