Jakarta Police Accuse 32 Civil Groups of Planning May Day Unrest

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police detained 101 individuals during a May Day demonstration in Jakarta to preempt planned unrest at the DPR/MPR complex in Senayan.

Police Security Operations

Commissioner Iman Imanuddin, Director of General Crime Investigation, confirmed the arrests at his office in South Jakarta on Friday, May 1, 2026. He stated that the measures were taken to ensure the safety of the labor protests.

Iman noted that the demonstration did not result in a riot. He explained that those detained were suspected of attempting to sow discord among labor groups and provoking attacks against security forces.

Intelligence and Allegations of Unrest

Intelligence documents identified at least 32 alliances or networked civil society groups as “anarchist.” Authorities claimed the presence of these groups could have triggered unrest similar to incidents that occurred in August of the previous year.

According to police, these groups also allegedly used social media to incite anger among other demonstrators during the event.

Contested Pre-Protest Coordination

Intelligence reports stated that members of these groups gathered at M Bloc Space in South Jakarta on Monday, April 27, 2026. The report claimed they held a consolidation meeting while attending a collective screening of the film Pesta Babi.

The film’s director, Dandhy Laksono, denied that the screening was linked to any pre-protest coordination. Laksono criticized the quality of intelligence information in Indonesia.

Calls for Accountability

Muhammad Isnur, chair of YLBHI, urged police to avoid making unsubstantiated claims. During the demonstration, Isnur questioned whether the accusations directed at “anarchists” were accurate.

Isnur added that authorities should be accountable for their statements and provide clear evidence identifying those responsible for any unrest, whether they are civilian groups or other actors.