Secured at Several Points

The East Java Regional Police (Polda Jatim) detained 11 people suspected of attempting to incite unrest during a student demonstration in the area of Gedung Negara Grahadi, Surabaya, on Thursday (22/10/2026). East Java Police Chief Insp. Gen. Dekananto Eko Purwono announced this at a press conference at Surabaya City Police Headquarters on Thursday night.

“Currently, all of them are still undergoing examination at the Surabaya City Police,” said Dekananto. Of the 11 people detained, two are university students, while the other nine are school dropouts.

Sita Tiner, Arak, and Knuckle

Officers secured the 11 individuals at several separate points around the protest site, including the Taman Apsari area, Gang Setan, in front of Hotel Ina Simpang, and the Alun-Alun Surabaya fountain area. During the security operation, police also seized a number of items believed to be related to the case.

Evidence seized included thinner liquid, arak liquor, brass knuckles, and a number of mobile phones. An initial examination of the secured phones uncovered conversations allegedly containing calls to carry out acts that could potentially disturb public security and order. Police are now probing the link between those conversations and an alleged plan for unrest, including the role of each individual secured and the possibility that other parties were involved.

Student Action Deemed Safe

Dekananto emphasized that legal proceedings will be pursued if investigators find sufficient evidence and the elements of a criminal offense are met. The handling of the 11 individuals, he said, is a case separate from the students' expression of aspirations.

In general, the student action in the Gedung Negara Grahadi area proceeded safely and in an orderly manner. The Regional Police Chief also appreciated the students, field coordinators, and all participants in the action who were able to maintain order and disperse in accordance with the stipulated time. "We will serve and properly secure members of the public who wish to convey their aspirations. We respect the expression of opinions carried out in an orderly manner and in accordance with the regulations," he said.

Deepening Still Underway

Investigators are now examining the contents of conversations found on the suspects' mobile phones to establish the context of the communications, the relationships between the parties, and the alleged role of each person detained. Police are also tracing the connection between those conversations and the items found at the detention location.

On the other hand, the East Java Regional Police stressed that it will take action against any act proven to violate the law in a professional and proportionate manner in accordance with applicable regulations. The police also emphasized that they respect the right of every citizen to express opinions in public in accordance with laws and regulations, as long as it is done in an orderly manner and in compliance with the provisions.