Jakarta. Police detained 15 people after clashes broke out during a protest outside Indonesia’s parliament complex in central Jakarta on Monday.

Central Jakarta Police Chief Susatyo Purnomo Condro said the arrests were made after hundreds of protesters attempted to breach the gates of the House of Representatives (DPR) complex and damaged public facilities. Those detained included four high school students and 11 others identified as members of loosely organized anarchist groups.

“The total number of people detained is 15. Four are high school students, while the others are suspected anarchist affiliates,” Susatyo told reporters. “Parents and schools will be summoned for guidance regarding the students.”

Protesters carried the Jolly Roger pirate flag from the popular Japanese anime One Piece, which has recently emerged as a symbol of resistance. Organizers outlined several demands, including the dissolution of parliament, the ratification of a long-delayed asset seizure bill, the rejection of education commercialization, and an end to dynastic politics.

Tensions escalated when protesters pushed against the steel barricades around the parliament complex and dismantled concrete barriers along the TransJakarta bus lane. Some demonstrators hurled stones at security personnel, prompting police to fire tear gas to disperse the crowd.

The situation was brought under control around 1:30 p.m. local time, after additional riot police and military units were deployed to secure the area. Authorities said they also seized items suspected to be intended for violent use, though details were not disclosed.

To maintain order, around 1,250 personnel were deployed from the national police, military, and Jakarta provincial government. Susatyo emphasized that security forces prioritized a “persuasive and humanist” approach.

“Officers were not equipped with firearms. We want to ensure the protest proceeds safely, orderly, and without disrupting wider public activities,” he said.

Susatyo warned that anyone proven to have engaged in vandalism or resistance against law enforcement would face prosecution. “We urge students and youth to voice their aspirations peacefully, not through anarchic acts,” he said.

House Speaker Puan Maharani said the DPR respects demonstrations and remains open to criticism.

Speaking at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, where she had just received the Bintang Republik Indonesia Utama, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors, from President Prabowo Subianto, Puan said, “We will continue to accommodate all aspirations. Criticism and input from the people are important to improve parliament’s performance so we can better serve the nation.”

She added that such feedback would be discussed collectively to strengthen the legislature’s role in national development.

Separately, Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad echoed Puan’s remarks, calling on demonstrators to remain orderly and respect the rules while protesting. He said parliament had assigned representatives to meet with protesters and hear their demands.

“We have delegated colleagues who are on standby at parliament today to facilitate dialogue,” Dasco said.

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