Politics · Indonesia · 1 hr ago
Two Arrested in Surabaya Over Suspected Molotov at Student Protest
Police in Surabaya arrested two local men over a suspected Molotov cocktail during a large demonstration by students and civil society groups.
The protest brought together students from Airlangga University, Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology and other campuses.
Police said officers found one bottle containing suspected fuel and a cloth wick, and that the men tried to flee when officers approached.
According to police, their initial statements suggested they brought it to provoke unrest at the demonstration; investigators are checking their accounts and whether anyone else was involved.
Protesters raised concerns about the environment, the economy and civilian supremacy, and called for Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to resign.
Their march and gathering blocked four roads around the city centre, while police said they respect peaceful protest but will act against threats to public safety.
The two men remain in questioning at Surabaya police headquarters as the investigation continues.
East Java police arrested two Surabaya residents suspected of bringing a ready-to-use Molotov cocktail to a student and civil-society protest.
Police said officers found one bottle containing liquid suspected to be Pertamax fuel and a wick believed to be made from cloth.
The two men, identified by the initials MVK and VS, were arrested near the Bambu Runcing Monument in Surabaya.
Police said preliminary questioning indicated the men intended to cause disorder, and investigators were continuing to examine the case.
Thousands of students and civil-society members gathered at the Air Mancur roundabout, with protesters raising issues including the environment, the economy and civilian supremacy.
- Who
- Two Surabaya residents identified by the initials MVK and VS were arrested.
- What
- They are suspected of carrying a ready-to-use Molotov cocktail during a protest.
- When
- Tuesday, November 10. The article was published on November 10, 2026.
- Where
- Near the Bambu Runcing Monument in Surabaya, East Java.
- Why
- Police said preliminary questioning indicated they intended to cause disorder.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Students and civil-society members marched from Airlangga University's B campus to the Air Mancur roundabout in Surabaya.
Police arrested MVK and VS near the western side of the Bambu Runcing Monument during the protest.
The two men were questioned by investigators at Surabaya Police headquarters.
- People arrested
- MVK and VS, both about 24 years old
- Suspected item
- One bottle believed to be a Molotov cocktail
- Arrest location
- Western side of the Bambu Runcing Monument, Surabaya
- Protest location
- Air Mancur roundabout, Surabaya
- Date
- Tuesday, November 10, 2026
2 sources
What people are saying
The motive from the initial examination was to cause disorder.
In principle, the police continue to respect the public's right to express their aspirations peacefully.
Gibran's resignation is like a small victory for the student and public movements.