Jakarta Metropolitan Police Named 38 Suspects In The Burning Of Public Facilities And Assault On Officers Guarding Demonstration

Security forces at the August 21, 2025, demonstration in front of the House of Representatives Building in Jakarta. (Rizky A-VOI)

JAKARTA - The Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya) have named 38 people as suspects in connection with the riots that have occurred in several areas of Jakarta.

Previously, the Jakarta Metropolitan Police had arrested 1,240 people during demonstrations that ended in clashes over the past week.

"As of today, we have detained and taken into custody 38 suspects," said the Head of Public Relations of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, Senior Commissioner Ade Ary Syam Indradi, to reporters on Tuesday, September 2.

The crimes they committed, leading to their suspect status, ranged from assaulting demonstration security officers to damaging public facilities.

They allegedly attacked officers with Molotov cocktails, stones, and bamboo poles. They also damaged public facilities such as police stations and bus stops.

"They resisted the orders of officers who were on security duty, and then some committed violence in public at the Cipayung Police Station in East Jakarta," he said.

Furthermore, several of the 38 suspects were also involved in the vandalism of a car belonging to a civil servant (ASN) in a ministry that went viral on social media.

However, no details were provided regarding the number of people involved or their identities.

"Several suspects also committed public violence against the car that went viral. This car, owned by a civil servant (ASN) in a ministry, has also been identified," said Ade.

Previously, Jakarta Metro Police Chief Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri admitted that his team had identified the perpetrators of the vandalism of public buildings and facilities, as well as the looting that occurred during the series of demonstrations over the past few days.

"We have identified those who committed the vandalism or looting. We just have to wait and see, we will take firm action and make arrests," Asep said at Jakarta City Hall.

However, Asep admitted that Jakarta Metro Police cannot yet identify the perpetrators or the number of perpetrators.

"We will provide the exact number later because it's a technical matter. Our team is still working, and hopefully, the situation will remain conducive going forward," Asep said.