Jakarta Police Say Student Protesters Freed; Only 136 still at HQ

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The police claimed they have released most of the 519 people arrested during the student protest on late Monday until early Tuesday, September 30-October 1. The rally was staged by university students, high schoolers, and workers against a number of problematic bills at the Parliament.

Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Argo Yuwono reported that per Wednesday afternoon, October 2, 136 out of the 519 arrested people were still detained in Jakarta Metro Police Headquarters.

“Examining them requires time, on how many of them are junior or senior high schoolers, uni students. After we obtain the data, they will be freed,” said Argo in his office, Wednesday, October 2.

Argo reiterated that the police released underage protesters and uni students who were proven to merely join the rally. Security officers only detained those who committed criminal acts, such as destroying police stations and vehicles. “We’re still collecting data,” he added.

Previously, the police announced 519 arrested protesters were detained in Jakarta Police, North Jakarta Resort Police, Central Jakarta Resort Police, and West Jakarta Resort Police. Dozens of them in North Jakarta Resort Police, who are students from outside the capital, have been returned to their home.

Some 82 students detained at Jakarta Metro Police narcotics directorate have been released as well, except seven who are still undergoing rehabilitation. “They are tested positive of using narcotics,” Argo said.

LANI DIANA WIJAYA