Police Say That Rizieq Shihab's Sympathizers Threw Stones, There Were Provocateurs Behind The Riots

The police have arrested 20 people suspected of provoking the chaos in Rizieq Shihab's trial. (Photo; Rizky Sulistio/ VOI)

JAKARTA - As many as 20 Rizieq Shihab sympathizers who were arrested by members of Jatanras and Kamneg Polda Metro Jaya and Central Jakarta Metro Police are suspected of being provocateurs. They were allegedly throwing stones at the police.

Central Jakarta Metro Police Deputy Head AKBP Setyo said that initially the police tried to disperse the crowd that filled the Coca Cola intersection in Cempaka Putih, Central Jakarta.

"Earlier they closed the stone-throwing road, then we asked them to disperse, step back, we told you that the announcement was complete. We were persuasive," he said at the location, Monday, August 30.

However, Setyo said, when the crowd was disbanded, the crowd threw stones. Then the police also arrested several parties suspected of being the provocateurs of the action. The mass of sympathizers wore all white clothes.

Around 20 people suspected of being provocateurs were arrested and taken to the Metro Jaya Police Headquarters. In addition, the mass vehicle was also secured by the police and taken to the Metro Jaya Police Headquarters.

"Many members who were injured were stoned. There were some who were stoned but hit by a helmet," he explained.

Some sympathizers infiltrated the Transjakarta Cempaka Timur Bus Stop. Several stones were also thrown by the crowd at the police. Then the police responded by firing tear gas.

The rioting of the mass supporters of Muhammad Rizieq Shihab lasted approximately 30 minutes. Jalan Letjen Suprapto which was closed by MCB and barbed wire can finally be reopened after the crowd was pushed back.