Bandung. Police in West Java have named six suspects in connection with violent unrest during a May Day protest that led to arson and damage to public facilities in the Dago Cikapayang area of Bandung.

West Java Police spokesperson Hendra Rochmawan said the group responsible for the violence was not affiliated with labor organizations, despite the demonstration coinciding with International Workers’ Day.

“Our investigation shows that the group in Dago Cikapayang was not part of any labor movement. They did not notify authorities of their activity and were dressed in all-black attire, including head and face coverings,” Hendra said late Saturday.

Police seized a number of items during the arrests, including Molotov cocktails, firecrackers, bladed weapons, and black face coverings.

Authorities said the violence caused significant damage to public infrastructure, including four traffic lights. A police post and a roadside digital billboard (videotron) were also vandalized.

West Java Police Director of Criminal Investigation Ade Safari said the suspects are between 17 and 21 years old, with most identified as students.

They face charges related to vandalism resulting in fire or explosions that endanger public safety and infrastructure, offenses that carry a maximum penalty of up to nine years in prison, Ade said.

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