Prabowo Affirms: Peaceful Protests Protected, Rioters Will Face Firm Action

rnJakarta — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting peaceful demonstrations while vowing firm action against rioters who engage in violence and destruction.rn“If demonstrators are genuine and peaceful, they must be protected by the authorities. The right to express opinions is guaranteed by law, but there are rules: demonstrations must be peaceful and in accordance with the law. The law requires permits, and those permits must be granted. Demonstrations must also end by 6 p.m.,” Prabowo said Monday evening (Sept. 1), after visiting civilians and security personnel injured in recent unrest at the National Police Hospital in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta.rnThe president noted that reports from various locations indicated the presence of provocateurs deliberately inciting violence, including arson.rn“In many places, I’ve received reports of trucks arriving loaded with large, powerful fireworks. Many of our personnel have been injured—some with burns on their necks, others on their legs. This is no longer a peaceful protest; this is deliberate rioting, with the intent to burn and destroy. Trucks have even been found carrying equipment for arson,” he explained.rnPrabowo expressed deep concern over the incidents and reiterated the government’s resolve to protect ordinary citizens while taking firm action against those seeking to create chaos.rn“People coming from outside an area, with the intent to burn, destroy, and provoke public anger—that is deeply troubling. But we will not hesitate to act decisively. I was elected by the people, I carry their mandate, I have sworn to uphold the Constitution, and I will carry it out,” he concluded.rn