jakarta gotong royong

Jakarta Provincial Government Launches ‘Gotong Royong’ Effort to Clean the Capital After Protests

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The Jakarta Provincial Government (Pemprov DKI) has moved quickly to restore public facilities and maintain order following violent demonstrations that took place across the capital over the weekend.

Local officials, supported by a range of municipal service teams known as the “Rainbow Troops”, have been deployed to clear debris, repaint damaged areas, and tidy up public spaces affected by the unrest.

All levels of local administration, from mayors and sub-district heads to village chiefs, participated in clean-up operations in their areas.

The coordinated efforts highlight Pemprov DKI’s commitment to ensuring that Jakarta remains clean and orderly despite recent disturbances.

Coordinated Clean-Up Efforts

The “Rainbow Troops”, comprising various service groups from Regional Apparatus Organisations (OPDs), worked side by side across the city.

The Blue Troops from the Water Resources Department (SDA) cleared drainage channels, while the Yellow Troops from the Public Works Department repaired damaged road infrastructure. The Orange and Green Troops from the Environmental Agency and the Parks and City Forest Department removed rubbish and repaired public parks.

In addition, the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) was tasked with maintaining order, while the Fire and Rescue Department (Gulkarmat) carried out spraying operations in areas containing burnt debris.

The Urban Infrastructure and Facilities Handling Unit (PPSU), widely recognised as the “Orange Troops”, formed the frontline of the clean-up.

Among the activities carried out were:

  • Clearing rubbish, banners and debris from vandalised areas
  • Restoring and replanting city parks
  • Repainting kerbs to improve the city’s appearance
  • Removing ashes and burnt remains from affected sites
  • Cleaning damaged bus shelters and police posts in preparation for repair

Cyril Raoul Hakim, Special Staff to the Governor and Deputy Governor of Jakarta, better known as Chico Hakim, expressed appreciation for the efforts made by officials and citizens alike.

“Governor Pramono Anung urges the people of Jakarta, government officials, and all stakeholders to take care of our city together, so the situation remains conducive. Let us voice our aspirations within the framework of the law in a safe, peaceful, and orderly manner,” Chico told reporters on Sunday (31 August).

Locations of Operations

The Rainbow Troops were deployed to several districts affected by the demonstrations, including Medan Merdeka around Monas in Gambir, RW 08 Pasar Baru in Sawah Besar, Jl. Suprapto in Johar Baru, RW 05 Cikini in Menteng, the Menza Yard/SMA 68 Salemba in Senen, Jl. Suprapto in Kemayoran, the Penjernihan–Pejompongan–Simpang Slipi corridor in Tanah Abang, and Jl. Suprapto in Cempaka Putih.

Deputy Governor Joins Clean-Up

Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno also took part in the clean-up operation on Monday morning (1 September 2025), visiting the TransJakarta Senen Central bus stop in Central Jakarta, which had been damaged during the unrest. He was accompanied by Regional Secretary Marullah Matali and joined in repainting walls that had been vandalised.

“You are free to voice your concerns, protests, or aspirations, we are ready to listen. But the Governor and I hope that public facilities are not damaged. The real loss is not only the cost, but also time,” Rano told Detiknews.

Several shops near the bus stop remained closed, with shutters still marked by graffiti. Rano warned that the damage to transport facilities could have wider consequences, given that Jakarta’s public transport systems are interconnected.

“If one part is damaged, the whole circulation is disrupted. It’s not as simple as setting fire and walking away,, the impact spreads everywhere,” he explained.

Rano also thanked community members who assisted in the clean-up, particularly motorcycle taxi drivers and students.

“I want to thank our motorcycle taxi drivers and Jakarta’s students. Hopefully Atrium Senen will reopen this week, because Jakarta must keep moving,” he added.

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