ASIATODAY.ID, BEKASI – Tensions flared in Bekasi City on Sunday night, August 31, 2025, as hundreds of unidentified individuals engaged in violent acts. The crowd torched cables on major roads, clashed with police officers, and attempted to storm the Bekasi Metropolitan Police Headquarters (Mapolres Metro Bekasi Kota).
Crowd Sets Cables on Fire in North Bekasi
The unrest began around 8:46 p.m. local time when hundreds of people, arriving from the Kranji area toward Medan Satria, piled roadside cables and set them ablaze on Prince Jayakarta Street, North Bekasi.
Police officers who tried to extinguish the flames with fire extinguishers were met with volleys of stones. To disperse the mob, officers were forced to fire tear gas.
“They are not locals, we don’t know who they are,” said Imam (50), a resident in the area.
Chaos Spreads to Summarecon Bekasi Mall
Following the dispersal, the mob ran toward the Summarecon Bekasi Mall around 9:20 p.m. Police immediately tightened security to prevent the chaos from spilling into the shopping district.
Authorities urged motorists to avoid the area and take alternative routes, including Sudirman Main Road, Bekasi City.
Police Headquarters Under Attack
Earlier in the evening, just before sunset, hundreds of young men also attacked the Bekasi Metropolitan Police Headquarters. They hurled stones at officers, triggering repeated clashes throughout the evening. Police again deployed tear gas and arrested several alleged provocateurs.
Thousands Flood KH Noer Ali Road
Unrest also spread to KH Noer Ali Road, directly in front of Primaya Hospital. Thousands of people filled the main road as large flames were seen burning in the middle of the crowd.
This mass protest has continued for three consecutive nights, starting at dusk and lasting until late at night. Some demonstrators carried flags and banners, while local residents could only watch from sidewalks and pedestrian bridges.
Background of the Protests
The Bekasi riots are part of a broader wave of demonstrations across Jakarta and Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek). The unrest was sparked by public outrage after an online motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan, was killed when he was run over by a police armored vehicle on August 28, 2025.
Affan’s funeral the next morning drew widespread sympathy, fueling solidarity protests across the region. Demonstrators have voiced diverse demands, ranging from wage increases and criticism of parliament to opposition against government policies deemed unfavorable to the public.
President Prabowo Leads Cabinet Meeting on National Stability
Amid the escalating unrest, President Prabowo Subianto led a Plenary Cabinet Meeting alongside Vice President Gibran Rakabuming at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Sunday, August 31, 2025. The session focused on strategic steps to maintain national stability.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, delivering the outcomes of the meeting, confirmed that the President is closely monitoring the situation. Prabowo emphasized the importance of solid cooperation between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri).
“The President has stressed that the TNI and the National Police must remain united and work hand in hand to ensure security and comfort for the Indonesian people,” Sjafrie told reporters.
Prabowo instructed law enforcement to act decisively against vandalism, looting, and attacks on both public and private property. He also tasked the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) to strengthen surveillance and report immediately on developments in the field.
The Minister of Home Affairs was directed to ensure smooth coordination between central and regional governments, particularly in addressing economic concerns affecting citizens. Meanwhile, the TNI Commander and military chiefs of staff were ordered to safeguard national resources, while the National Police Chief and Attorney General were instructed to accelerate law enforcement measures.
“National stability is the key to Indonesia’s economic recovery. Unity and solidarity are essential to move forward together,” Sjafrie concluded.
Senior officials present included Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Armed Forces Commander General Agus Subiyanto, BIN Chief Muhammad Herindra, and the chiefs of staff of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Current Situation in Bekasi
As of late Sunday night, the situation in Bekasi remains tense. Police and joint security forces are on high alert in vulnerable areas, while the central government has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring order.
Residents remain hopeful that calm will return soon to prevent further casualties and damage to public infrastructure. (AT Network)
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