The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) are working together to secure the national situation from irresponsible provocations

Jakarta – The national situation following the chaotic demonstrations at the end of August 2025 continues to show signs of improvement. The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) remain solid in maintaining security stability, ensuring the public feels safe and is not easily provoked by irresponsible narratives.

Indonesian Army Chief of Staff (KSAD), General Maruli Simanjuntak, emphasized that the situation in various regions is now increasingly conducive. He also dismissed the notion that patrols are being conducted excessively. He stated that patrols are proceeding normally with a measured number of personnel, solely to provide a sense of security to residents.

“I don’t think large-scale operations are that bad. At most, five truckloads of soldiers will be deployed to reassure the public that we remain on standby,” he said.

On the other hand, the police were also deemed to have acted proportionally in responding to the anarchic actions. Azmi Hidzaqi, Coordinator of the Indonesian Strategic Studies Advocacy Institute (LAKSI), emphasized that accusations of repression against the officers were simply a framing that was not in accordance with the facts. He stated that the police’s actions were fully guided by operational standards, including Chief of Staff Regulation No. 16 of 2006 concerning Crowd Control and Chief of Staff Regulation No. 8 of 2010 concerning Riot Management.

“The police only took action against anarchists who damaged public facilities. They worked in a measured manner, according to the escalation,” Azmi said.

The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) also supports the police’s law enforcement efforts related to the riots. Komnas HAM Chairperson Anis Hidayah emphasized the importance of identifying perpetrators and a transparent legal process. She also highlighted the high number of injuries and damage to public facilities, making recovery a shared priority.

“Because there are quite a lot of victims and many public facilities have been damaged, recovery must be a serious concern,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Prabowo Subianto issued a firm order for authorities to take action against all forms of anarchy, looting, and terrorism that threaten public order. He stated that the state respects freedom of expression, but aspirations must be expressed peacefully without harming the interests of the wider community.

“If the expression of aspirations turns anarchic, then it’s a violation of the law. The state is obligated to be present and protect its people,” he stressed.

The solidarity of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the support of human rights organizations, and the government’s firm instructions demonstrate the comprehensive efforts to maintain national security. The public is urged to remain calm, resist provocation, and support security forces in creating a safe and conducive environment for the nation’s continued development.