Police Shoot Tear Gas Disperse Rioting Crowds At Tugu Tani

Illustration of the Tugu Tani area long before the demonstration against the Job Creation Law (Irfan Meidianto)

JAKARTA - Police fired tear gas and dispersed a rioting mob at Tugu Tani, Central Jakarta. Previously, the mass rioted in the Horse Statue area and then moved in many directions, including Kebon Sirih and Tanah Abang.

Judging from the Kompas TV broadcast , the situation at Tugu Tani was filled with police, Tuesday, October 13. There are tactical vehicles deployed.

A number of motorized police also tried to chase away the crowd. The Tugu Tani street was closed because the police were still trying to disperse the crowd.

Meanwhile, in a separate location, the Marines took to the street to help the police to drive away the rioting crowd in the Horse Statue area, Central Jakarta. The Marines moved towards Tanah Abang, and the movement to block the crowd was carried out after riots in the Horse Statue area. The crowd, mostly teenagers, pelted police with stones, shards of glass and bottles.

They were beaten back towards Sarinah. However, there were also those who turned towards Tanah Abang and Kebon Sirih.

The TNI's involvement in driving away the chaotic masses was conveyed by Pangdam Jaya, Major General Dudung Abdurachman, saying that his party would fully assist the Police in the security process. Especially when there is a potential for chaos.

"I emphasize the TNI to fully adhere to the clan and the oath of soldiers. Increase solidity between the TNI and the Police," said Dudung, Monday, October 12.

Dudung has instructed the ranks of TNI and Polri members to take action against suspected rioters in a professional, proportionate and persuasive manner.

"The rioters are only people who are used as tools to take advantage of the situation. Because I am sure students and workers are genuinely expressing their aspirations. We'll look for me who is a riot," he said.