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| Demonstration participants of 'Dark Indonesia' arrive at Patung Kuda (photo: MPI). |
Participants of the 'Dark Indonesia' demonstration gathered at Patung Kuda, Monas area, Central Jakarta, on Monday (February 17, 2025). Despite the drizzle, it did not deter them from voicing their aspirations.
Students carried banners demanding the government take action to protect Indonesian citizens by implementing policies that favor the people.
"Will Prabowo come back to save us?" read one of the protest banners.
In addition, demonstrators criticized government policies, particularly in the education, economic, and infrastructure sectors.
"Prabowo’s ambitious programs ruin everything, #education #economy #infrastructure," stated another banner.
At around 4:25 PM WIB, members of the University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI) arrived at the protest site. The students, wearing their signature yellow jackets, packed the Patung Kuda area.
One of the criticisms displayed on posters addressed the shortage of 3-kg LPG gas. "Okay gas, okay gas, where's the gas?" read a poster carried by a UI student.
1,623 Security Personnel Deployed
The Indonesian Student Executive Board Alliance (BEM SI) and several other groups planned to stage the 'Dark Indonesia' protest at Patung Kuda, Monas, Central Jakarta, on Monday (February 17, 2025). A total of 1,623 joint security personnel were deployed to monitor the demonstration.
"To ensure security during this public protest, we have deployed 1,623 joint personnel," said Central Jakarta Police Chief, Commissioner Susatyo Purnomo Condro, to reporters on Monday (February 17, 2025).
He explained that the joint personnel came from the Metro Jaya Police, Central Jakarta Police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Jakarta Provincial Government, and other relevant agencies. These personnel were stationed at various points around Patung Kuda Monas and in front of the Presidential Palace.
According to him, traffic diversions in the area would be situational, meaning adjustments would be made based on the crowd size and on-site conditions.
"If the number of protesters is small, traffic will flow as usual. However, if the crowd around Patung Kuda Monas grows significantly and the situation escalates, traffic will be diverted," he stated.
Susatyo reminded all security personnel involved to act persuasively, avoid provocation, prioritize negotiation, and maintain a humane and safe approach.
He emphasized that none of the security personnel would carry weapons and that they must respect the protesters' right to express their opinions.
Additionally, he urged protest coordinators and speakers to deliver their speeches in a respectful manner and avoid provoking the crowd.