Police Arrest A Number Of People In White Koko Shirt Participating In Rizieq Shihab's Liberation Demo

Police guarding Rizieq Shihab's release demonstration around the State Palace, Friday, December 18 (Diah Ayu Wardani / VOI)

JAKARTA - A number of people who took part in a demonstration demanding the release of Rizieq Shihab near the State Palace were arrested by the police. VOI monitoring at the location, Those who were arrested wore white koko shirts.

"If someone is still stubborn, they will be forcibly arrested for violating the Health Quarantine Law," said Central Jakarta Police Chief Kombes Heru Novianto, at the location of the action, Friday, December 18.

"We act on humanity. The corona virus is still there and you should not add more. Immediately disband. If there is resistance we will make arrests," said Heru.

While he was saying that, the police pushed the mob who was acting to be beaten back from the Horse Statue towards Gambir Station, passing Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan.

Demonstration participant (Diah Ayu Wardani / VOI)

Previously, Polda Metro Jaya emphasized that it would not issue a crowd permit related to the demonstration plan of elements of society who are members of the National Anti-Communist Alliance (ANAK) NKRI.

This demonstration demands the release of Rizieq Shihab, who is currently detained in connection with a violation of the health protocol.

A total of 12,500 joint personnel from the TNI-Polri and the Regional Government (Pemda) of DKI Jakarta were deployed to guard the 1812 demonstration around the State Palace, Central Jakarta.

Originally, this demonstration demanded the release of Rizieq Shihab, who is currently detained in connection with an alleged case of sedition and violation of health protocols. However, not all officers were immediately deployed.

"For strength (security), we will deploy 5,000 personnel," said Head of Public Relations of Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Yusri Yunus.

Meanwhile, as many as 7,500 personnel are alerted or reserved. Currently they are stationed at several points which will later be deployed if the situation is deemed unfavorable.

"We have prepared 7,500 reserves. Where are the reserves? At Monas, in the DPR as well as at the Regional Police and in battalions by the army," said Yusri.