Banten Governor, Andra Soni (center), accompanied by Banten Police Chief, Brigadier General Hengki (left), during a dialogue with protest demonstrators.
BANTEN – Amid heavy rain, Banten Governor Andra Soni, along with Banten Police Chief Brigadier General Hengki, went down to meet with protest demonstrators on Saturday night. The demonstration, which took place from afternoon until evening, was attended by a combination of university students, high school students, and online motorcycle taxi drivers.
In a brief dialogue, Andra Soni emphasized that the regional government would accommodate the aspirations of the people. He also reminded both the crowd and security forces to remain cautious of the developing situation on the ground.
“I also express my condolences for the death of our brother Affan Kurniawan, an online motorcycle taxi driver, during yesterday’s protest. This tragedy is a valuable lesson for all of us, including the regional government,” said Andra.
The crowd raised several issues related to administrative matters, such as processing police clearance certificates and handling legal problems affecting their colleagues. He affirmed that the commitments from the Police Chief and the Regional Military Commander would be followed up together with the regional government.
“To all parties, let’s work together to ensure everything remains conducive. Express your aspirations properly. That is a right guaranteed by the Constitution. I ask the public to remain calm, follow legal guidance, and if you wish to convey aspirations or demands, do so in a manner protected by law,” urged Andra.
He added that his leadership as governor of Banten is not anti-criticism and is ready to accommodate and listen to the people’s aspirations.
Andra Soni Ready to Listen to Aspirations
“God willing, during my leadership in Banten Province, we will continue to listen to the people’s aspirations,” Andra emphasized.
Meanwhile, Banten Police Chief Brigadier General Hengki urged the crowd to convey their aspirations peacefully and not anarchically. He promised to facilitate a meeting between representatives of the crowd and relevant officials.
“If you wish to meet with members of the House of Representatives or with the governor, I will bridge the meeting. But do not come in large numbers; just 10 representatives. If necessary, I will personally escort you to my office for dialogue,” stated Hengki.
A representative of the demonstrators, Gozali, a resident of Serang City, expressed appreciation to the governor and police chief for being willing to attend despite the rain and late hour.
“I am very grateful to the governor and police chief for coming to meet us. I am here representing the community, especially the residents of Serang City, who wish to convey their aspirations regarding the performance of the House of Representatives and the National Police,” said Gozali.
Previously, the demonstrators had held a protest at the Ciceri intersection in Serang City. They then attempted to move toward the Serang City Police Station. However, their progress was halted after being blocked by police officers in the Sumur Pecung traffic light area. The blockade was led directly by the police chief.
Banten
Banten is a historic province in Indonesia, located on the western tip of Java, which was once the heart of a powerful 16th-century Islamic sultanate. Its most famous cultural site is the Grand Mosque of Banten, an important center of Islamic learning and pilgrimage, built in the 16th century. The area also contains the ruins of the Surosowan Palace and Fort Speelwijk, reflecting its history as a major trading port that attracted European powers.
Banten Police
The Banten Police is a regional law enforcement agency in Indonesia’s Banten province, established following the province’s creation in 2000. Its history is tied to the modern administrative formation of the region, evolving from previous Dutch colonial and national Indonesian police structures to serve the local population.
House of Representatives
The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the United States Congress, established in 1789 by the Constitution. It is composed of representatives elected from congressional districts across the country, with representation based on population. Its primary responsibilities include initiating revenue bills, impeaching federal officials, and electing the President in the case of an electoral college tie.
National Police
The term “National Police” does not refer to a specific place or cultural site, but rather to a national law enforcement agency found in many countries. These organizations are typically responsible for maintaining public order and enforcing laws across an entire nation. Their history is tied to the development of the modern nation-state, with many being established in the 19th or 20th centuries to create a centralized police force.
Ciceri intersection
I am not familiar with a significant cultural or historical site known as the “Ciceri intersection.” This name does not correspond to a widely recognized landmark, and it is possible it refers to a local or minor place. Without more specific context, I cannot provide a historical summary.
Serang City
Serang City is the capital of Banten province in Indonesia, located on the island of Java. Historically, it was the center of the Banten Sultanate, a powerful and influential Islamic kingdom that was a major trading hub from the 16th to the 19th century. Today, it serves as a provincial government center and a gateway to nearby historical sites like the ruins of the Surosowan Palace.
Serang City Police Station
The Serang City Police Station is a modern law enforcement facility serving the capital of Banten province in Indonesia. While the current station itself is a functional government building without major historical significance, it operates within the historical context of Serang, a city with a rich past connected to the Banten Sultanate.
Sumur Pecung traffic light
The Sumur Pecung traffic light is a major intersection in Badung Regency, Bali, which has become a well-known local landmark due to its heavy traffic. Historically, the name “Sumur Pecung” refers to the surrounding traditional village, with the traffic light itself being a modern development to manage congestion from the growing tourism and commercial activity in the area.
