Riots in Otista: Traffic Police Held Hostage by Mob, But Not Beaten

Riot between the masses and the authorities on Otista Raya Street, East Jakarta/ Photo: SPC

JAKARTA - A traffic police officer from the East Jakarta Metro Police Traffic Unit was arrested by protesters who had previously clashed with officers on Otista Raya Street, Jatinegara, East Jakarta. East Jakarta Metro Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Alfian Nurrizal, confirmed the incident.

"They kidnapped one of the traffic officers. We have secured our officer," he said on Friday, August 29, 2025.

The mob kidnapped the traffic police officer during the clash. They also burned tires and blocked the road.

"They burned tires," he said.

Despite being kidnapped, the traffic police officer is in good condition and has no injuries.

"He was taken hostage, but we were able to secure him. He wasn't beaten," he said.

Currently, East Jakarta Metro Police officers have regained control of the situation in the Otista Raya area of ​​Jatinegara. The situation is gradually returning to normal.

The unrest spread to East Jakarta following the death of a man wearing an online motorcycle taxi (Ojol) jacket who was hit and run over by a Mobile Brigade (Brimob) Barakuda armored vehicle on Penjernihan Raya Street, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta.

Currently, unrest is occurring on Otista Raya Street and Otista 3 Street, Jatinegara District, East Jakarta. Police officers clashed with a crowd dominated by young people on the morning of Friday, August 29, 2025.

The unrest escalated when police fired tear gas into the crowd.