Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Jakarta Police Detain More Than 300 After Protest Unrest
Thousands of people protested near Indonesia’s parliament in Jakarta.
They were unhappy with some government policies and wanted tougher punishment for corrupt officials.
The protests took place on the anniversary of deadly demonstrations from the previous year.
Most demonstrators left by Thursday evening.
Later, a group of people allegedly caused trouble by throwing objects and setting fires.
Police used water cannon and tear gas while trying to restore order.
Police detained 322 people, including 160 minors, and identified 45 suspects.
One man later died after losing consciousness, and officials said they were still investigating what happened.
Some trains and buses were disrupted because roads were closed.
Jakarta police detained 322 people, including 160 younger than 18, after Thursday’s protests.
Officials said late-night rioters burned a police post and two motorcycles and threw rocks and sticks.
Police named 45 people as suspects for alleged violence and damage to public facilities.
One man lost consciousness, was taken to a hospital and later died; officials said the circumstances were under investigation.
Rail services were suspended or diverted, while bus routes near parliament were temporarily affected by road closures.
- Who
- Thousands of demonstrators, Jakarta police, and people accused by officials of participating in later rioting; President Prabowo Subianto’s administration was the subject of public criticism.
- What
- Protests over government policies and corruption demands were followed by late-night unrest, mass detentions, alleged property damage, and one reported death.
- When
- The demonstrations occurred on Thursday, with officials reporting the detentions and suspects on Friday.
- Where
- Near Indonesia’s parliament and on surrounding streets in Jakarta, Indonesia.
- Why
- Demonstrators expressed frustration with government policies and demanded harsher punishment for corrupt officials; the rallies also coincided with the anniversary of deadly anti-government protests the previous year.
Police and Government Officials
Demonstrators and Public Critics
Cause of the late-night unrest
Police and Government Officials
Police said that after most of the crowd dispersed, a group of rioters arrived, allegedly carrying makeshift weapons and trying to disrupt public order.
Demonstrators and Public Critics
The demonstrations began as rallies by various groups protesting government policies and calling for tougher punishment of corrupt officials; the report does not provide a detailed statement from the people later accused of rioting.
Use of force and accountability
Police and Government Officials
Police responded with water cannon and tear gas and detained people while naming suspects over alleged violence and damage to public facilities.
Demonstrators and Public Critics
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show police using tear gas, although Reuters said it could not immediately verify the footage.
Political significance
Police and Government Officials
The unrest came as President Prabowo Subianto faces pressure to restore public, business and investor confidence amid concerns about the economic effects of his programmes.
Demonstrators and Public Critics
The protests reflected public frustration with government policies and corruption, while a Tempo poll cited by Reuters put Prabowo’s approval rating at 38% this month.
- People detained
- 322 people, according to Jakarta police
- Minors detained
- 160 detainees were younger than 18
- Named suspects
- 45 people were named suspects over alleged violence and damage to public facilities
- Reported death
- One man lost consciousness at the scene and later died at a hospital
- Reported damage
- A police post and two motorcycles were set on fire, according to local media reports
- Police response
- Police used water cannon and tear gas
- Transport impact
- Some commuter rail routes were suspended or diverted, and bus routes near parliament were temporarily affected