TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jakarta Metro Jaya Police confirmed that they are investigating 16 protesters from the two rallies on Tuesday, March 19, in front of the House of Representatives (DPR) complex and the General Elections Commission (KPU).

Eight people were arrested during the chaos at the demonstration in the Parliament complex and the rest eight people were nabbed during the protest in front of the KPU. They were protesting against the conduct of the 2024 elections, which they said were marred by fraud.

Central Jakarta Police spokesman Insp. Ruslan Basuki confirmed the arrests. “Last night (March 19), 8 people were arrested at the DPR. They were immediately taken to the Jakarta Metro Jaya Police HQ,” Ruslan told Tempo on Wednesday, March 20.

Reason for the arrests

Ruslan then explained the chronology of the arrests. He said Tuesday’s rally turned into chaos with demonstrators damaging the House's fence with wood or bamboo, pulling it with ropes, and setting it on fire with banners.

“One member of the Regional Police was hit by a stone, one suffered shortness of breath and was taken to the PELNI Hospital,” he said.

Ruslan also said that the protesters refused to leave the site. “We had repeatedly warned them and the Police Chief had also advised them not to do anarchy, not to damage public facilities, and to leave the area in an orderly manner as it's already night. However, the crowd refused to disperse and engaged in anarchy, throwing stones at the members. Finally, the crowd was pushed and dispersed".

Until now, Ruslan claimed that there is no information on whether the protesters have been released by the Jakarta Metro Jaya Police or not.

DEFARA DHANYA PARAMITHA

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