inp.polri.go.id - Surabaya. The East Java Regional Police arrested 11 people suspected of attempting to incite unrest during a student protest near the Grahadi State Building in Surabaya on Thursday (10/22/2026).

East Java Regional Police Chief Inspector General Dekananto Eko Purwono stated that the 11 individuals were still undergoing questioning at the Police Headquarters. Of these, two were students, while the other nine were school dropouts.

"Currently, all of them are still undergoing questioning at the Police Headquarters," Dekananto said during a press conference at the Surabaya Sub-regional Police Headquarters on Thursday evening (10/22/2026).

According to him, officers apprehended them from several points around the protest location, including Apsari Park, Satan Alley, in front of the Ina Simpang Hotel, and the Surabaya Square fountain area.

During the arrest, police also confiscated several items suspected of being related to the case, including thinner, arak (a type of alcoholic beverage), knuckle weapons, and several cell phones.

From an initial examination of the seized cell phones, investigators discovered conversations allegedly containing calls to action that could potentially disrupt public order and security.

Police are now investigating the contents of these conversations to determine their connection to the alleged planned riot. Investigators are also investigating the roles of each individual detained and the possible involvement of other parties.

Dekananto emphasized that legal proceedings will be initiated if investigators find sufficient evidence and the elements of a crime are met.

"If the investigation finds sufficient evidence and the elements of a crime are met, we will certainly process them legally in accordance with applicable regulations," he said.

He explained that the handling of the 11 individuals is a separate case from the student protest. Overall, the student protest in the Grahadi State Building area proceeded safely and orderly.

The East Java Regional Police Chief also commended the students, field coordinators, and all protest participants for maintaining order and dispersing within the designated timeframe.

He emphasized that the police respect the public's right to express their opinions in public, as stipulated in the law.

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