Police Secure 11 Provocateurs In Action August 13 In Pati Square

Brimob members secure the August 13 action at the Pati Regent's office/ Photo: Doc. Central Java Police

THE POLICE arrested 11 people suspected of being provocateurs during a demonstration in front of the Pati Regent's Office, Wednesday, August 13. The action, which initially took place peacefully, turned chaotic when anarchist groups began throwing bottles of mineral water, stones, and rotten fruit at the authorities.

The Head of Public Relations of the Central Java Police, Kombes Pol Artanto, said the anarchist's actions triggered an escalation of the situation that led to chaos. The persuasive efforts made by the officers were ignored, so the officers took firm and measured steps to disperse the crowd.

"The persuasive order was not heeded. Finally, we pushed the masses out and divided the action," he explained.

At around 15.30 WIB, the situation around the Pati Regent's Office and the Square gradually recovered. The authorities then carried out patrols to ensure conditions remained conducive while securing a number of people suspected of provoking the masses.

In addition to arresting provocateurs, the police also recorded 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 receiving 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.