Police Pulled Back Demonstrators, 3 Injured, 4 Secured
Reported by Andry | Translated by Rini Elvira
The demonstration action staged by Prabowo-Hatta supporters at Patung Kuda, Jalan Medan Merdeka Barta, Central, Jakarta, Thursday (8/21), ended chaotic marred with stones and tear gas throwing. Because of this incident, two people and one policeman are hurt. In addition, four people are secured due to assessed as provocateurs.
At first, we were doing persuasive approach. But, the mass ruined and acted anarchy. That’s why we took action
The chaos started when the mass tried to trespass the wired fences guarded by police officers at Patung Kuda Roundabout towards MK building. When the situation could not be controlled anymore, the officers had to fire tear gas to the crowds, who threw back the officers with stones.
Not until 20 minutes, the demonstrators were managed to be pulled back by the officers who were armed with shields and bats. As a result, the demonstrators scrambled onto Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan and Jalan Jenderal Sudirman.
Thousands of Prabowo-Hatta Supporters Gathered at Patung KudaCity Police Chief Ins. Gen. Dwi Priyanto stated that from the beginning the officers have conducted persuasive approach to the demonstrators. Unfortunately, the demonstrators paid it off by doing destructive actions. Thus, the officers had to take preventive measures.
“At first, we were doing persuasive approach. But, the mass ruined and acted anarchy. That’s why we took action,” he said.
According to Priyanto, his men also had warned the demonstrators numerous times. Unfortunately, the warnings were ignored, which forced the officers dispersed the mass forcibly by using tear gas.
“There is one Provos officer injured and has been taken to the hospital. For suspects, we secured four,” he told.
In addition, Priyanto stressed that the mass dispersal action done by the police was in accordance to the procedures and rules. In this matter, the officers were still using tear gas, not rubber bullets.
