Blitar Police Chief Calls Student Aspirations Spreading Banners During The Visit Of Vice President Gibran Received By Walkot

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka during his visit to Blitar also visited health services at the Sukorejo Health Center, Blitar City, Wednesday, June 18. (ANTARA)

Jakarta - Blitar City Police denied reports of the arrest of three members of the Blitar Indonesian Islamic Student Movement (PMII) during the visit of Vice President (Wapres) Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The three PMII cadres were arrested because they tried to get closer to the Vice President's lunch location at Bu Mamik Restaurant, Blitar City.

"We need to emphasize that there are no arrests. We only ask for clarification at the location," said Blitar City Police Chief AKBPxim Yudho Uly in his statement, Thursday, June 19.

The incident occurred at around 12.55 WIB. When the vice president's vehicle convoy entered the restaurant yard, three unknown people came from the alley and tried to get to the side of the road. Security officers from the TNI immediately blocked them and took them to the sidewalk.

"After being examined, it was discovered that they were Blitar PMII cadres. There was no element of threat, they just wanted to convey their aspirations," saidten.

The three are M. Toha Ma'ruf (Chairman of PMII Blitar Branch), Alex Cahyono, and Reyda Hafis. After being questioned, they were invited to have a dialogue and eat together at the same restaurant, together with the Head of the Blitar Police and Mayor (Walkot) Syauqul Muhibbin, who is also an alumni of PMII.

"We present their seniors, including the mayor, to provide guidance. The approach is dialogical and family," said the Police Chief.

The police said that the persuasive step was taken to cool the atmosphere and maintain the conduciveness of the state agenda. No repressive actions were taken by the authorities during the incident.

"The situation remains safe and conducive. We want to keep the democratic space open, but also prioritize public order," said

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Blitar, Syauqul Muhibbin alias Mas Ibin regretted the action. Moreover, this action was carried out on invited guests in the same class as the vice president.

"So we should respect anyone who comes, and we really regret this attitude," said Mas Ibin.

He added that the arrival of Vice President Gibran was aimed at helping MSMEs such as drummers who had been brought a number of machines at the time of the day. In addition, it also helps hospital health facilities, and helps open up opportunities for the export market of MSME products.

"So the big hope is that we are helped to advance Blitar City with an investment value of hundreds of billions, but our brothers welcome state guests like that. Once again I regret that," he added.

Ibin hopes that if the delivery of criticism can be more elegant, not by unfurling posters which will eventually be driven away by security forces. After the incident, a number of students who had been chased away were finally invited to Mrs. Mamik's restaurant and asked to convey their aspirations.

"So yesterday the brothers finally had their aspirations accepted at the restaurant, they were invited to chat and treated well. So there were no issues that happened with them. If we invite state guests to be welcomed like that, I as mayor should not invite them. I am ashamed and disappointed very much," he concluded.