Irfan Ma'ruf, Jakarta – A demonstration by students from a number of different universities who are part of the National Association of Student Executive Councils (BEM SI) ended in chaos on Friday October 18 after security forces and demonstrators attacked each other.
From a video seen by Okezone's parent company MNC Portal from the Jakarta Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) social media account @lbh_jakarta, the clash broke out when police tried to force students back because the demonstration had exceeded the 6pm time limit set by police.
Several students were seen being separated from the clash between the police and the students. It is not yet known whether there were any injuries during the incident.
Earlier, a number of student organisation from various universities that are part of the BEM SI had planned to hold the demonstration at the Merdeka Palace. The theme of the demonstration was "Bring the 10 Years of Jokowi's Leadership Sins to Justice".
According to an upload on the Instagram account @bem_si, the demonstration was in the context of the ongoing and widespread problems that are considered detrimental to society during President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's leadership, for which he has yet to be held accountable.
"There are still many evaluations that have not been implemented and have not been accounted for by President Jokowi. Yet there are so many things that are deviant and detrimental to society and also only benefited certain groups during Jokowi's term in office", read the Instagram post.
Meanwhile Central Jakarta Metro Jaya District Police Chief Senior Commissioner Purnomo Condro said that a joint contingent of 1,929 personal had been mobilised for security and have been deployed at various points in the city. "1,929 personnel", he told journalists.
Meanwhile traffic control will be implemented according to the situation by considering the conditions on the ground. If many people come to the demonstration, then traffic on Jalan Merdeka Barat will be diverted. He also appealed to the demonstrators to convey their aspirations in an orderly manner.
"Those involved in security should not carry firearms, and respect our sisters and brothers who will express their opinions professionally and humanely", he said. (wal)
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Demo BEM SI di Patung Kuda Jakpus Berakhir Bentrok dengan Aparat".]
