Indonesia’s security minister Djamari says country remains ‘secure’ amid unrest speculation, misinformation online

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung and police officials have called for calm amid reports that shopping malls and office buildings in the Indonesian capital and nearby cities have installed high metal fences, reportedly to prepare for potential unrest. The measures, which include barriers up to five meters tall and equipped with pointed spikes, have sparked speculation about possible protests, although some building owners have denied such intentions. The barriers have appeared in Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Surakarta over the past week, according to news outlet Kompas. In Jakarta, malls such as Kota Kasablanka, Blok M Plaza, and FX Sudirman have installed steel perimeter fences around their entrances. Similar structures have also been erected outside several state-owned bank buildings in the Slipi area. In Surabaya, fences have been placed at Pakuwon City Mall, Royal Plaza, Tunjungan Plaza, and Pakuwon Mall, prompting online discussions linking the move to fears of renewed demonstrations. Social media has fueled speculation that businesses might be preparing for large-scale protests, reminiscent of those seen across Indonesia in August 2025. Those protests turned violent in several cities, leading to closures of shopping malls and significant financial losses. The unrest intensified following the fatal collision of a motorcycle taxi driver with a police vehicle in Jakarta, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries, with damages estimated in billions of rupiah. Last year, the Indonesian Shopping Center Management Association (APPBI) requested stronger security measures to allow shopping centers to operate safely while protecting customers and staff. Speaking to local media on July 31, Pramono acknowledged businesses' concerns about a recurrence of the previous unrest but urged restraint, stating that the city administration was collaborating with the police and military to maintain safety. “I understand there are concerns because of what happened in August last year. But hopefully it will not happen again, and I believe it will not,” he said. “As governor of Jakarta, I am coordinating with the police, the military and other agencies to keep Jakarta safe.” Pramono warned that excessive fear could lead to unnecessary public anxiety and advised businesses not to install overly restrictive barriers. He mentioned that the Jakarta provincial government would engage with business operators to find solutions that balance security with public trust. The police have also reassured residents that there is no immediate threat to security. Jakarta Police spokesperson Budi Hermanto stated that conditions in the capital and surrounding areas remain safe and stable. “Police, military and Jakarta administration would continue safeguarding public activities not only this month but in the longer term,” he added. Budi noted that preventive teams have been deployed to monitor groups potentially seeking to incite unrest, with increased patrols in Jakarta and neighboring cities such as Bekasi, Depok, and Tangerang. Authorities are also tracking misleading information and provocative content on social media. According to Budi, no official notifications of planned demonstrations have been received, and he urged the public not to be swayed by misinformation or false claims circulating online.