Inp.polri.go.id - Bandung. West Java Police Chief Inspector General Rudi Setiawan revealed that a group of unidentified individuals dressed in black disrupted International Workers' Day (May Day) 2026 in Bandung by vandalizing and burning public facilities. 

The group, which operated with covered faces, was reported to be carrying Molotov cocktails.

"We saw unidentified people wearing all-black clothing and masks carrying Molotovs, destroying public facilities, and committing arson," Chief Rudi said on Friday (1/5/2026), as cited by antaranews.com. 

He clarified that there were no official labor union protest agendas in Bandung this year. Previous demonstrations held by students at the West Java Legislative Council Building and Jatinangor had already concluded peacefully by 5 pm.

The vandalism included burning banners, destroying traffic lights, damaging local administration’s CCTV cameras and videotrons, and setting fire to a police post in the Tamansari area. Chief Rudi also noted that the group conducted illegal "sweeps" or inspections of road users, causing widespread fear.

"What they are doing is extremely dangerous, even raiding members of the public. This is clearly a criminal group," he added. 

The West Java Regional Police, in coordination with the local adminsitration and Siliwangi Military Command, have already secured several perpetrators.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)