Before Riot, Atmosphere in Thamrin Before May 22, 2019 Demo Turns Chaotic

The police are still mingling with the scavengers passing by the demonstration site. A sight that brings a sense of calm amidst the heat of the situation at that time.

The demonstrators have started to arrive. However, the situation in Jakarta that afternoon was still under control.

Before the riots occurred, they were still peacefully maintaining the demonstration and had a chance to mingle.

All officers are ready, ensuring that the riots do not break out and harm many people.

Behind these brave faces, there are families waiting for them to return home safely.

When the ready position arrived, the shield was raised and the guarding began.

"They also have families, not Unsullied," said Pio.  

Sarinah has started to get crowded, but the situation can still be well controlled.

Behind the shield and head cover that are part of the uniform, these are the ones who are on duty that day.

These are the faces of the Brimob officers who came from various regions in Indonesia to secure this demonstration.

When the shield is opened, these are the faces behind the head cover. "Those who are in front of the protesters are exactly the same. By the way, are the masks opened and none of them are imported, right?" Pio wrote.

Before being used, these tools are neatly arranged on the asphalt. Pio didn't provide much caption for this photo, but the image speaks for itself.

These are the tools used by the police. No sharp weapons there.

Pio also captured the tools used by the police when securing the demonstration. Helmets are the main guard.

Not just sitting and listening to the demonstration speeches, the police also carefully observe the actions performed by the crowd that afternoon.

When the situation calms down, they take a rest. Sitting and leaning their backs while taking the opportunity to contact their families.

"It seems that one of their trainings is sitting in a sauna room while listening to curses through the room speaker for 12 hours a day," wrote Pio.

Pio revealed that on that day, everything was guarded by the police. Even the journalists' tripods were secured by the Brimob.

Being on guard and staying alert, that's what the police who secured the May 22, 2019 demonstration did.

In the scorching sun, wearing clothes like this is not an easy thing. It's hot and heavy, but they still wear it for the sake of security.

Everything in the demonstration was guarded by the Brimob. Being ready and alert is always their priority.

The more it is used, the more scratches on this heavy shield.

The marks of the clash before the May 22, 2019 demonstration, silent witnesses to how many collisions this shield has experienced.

In addition to shields, the police also use other equipment to protect themselves in the event of an attack.

These shields are what keep the police safe in worsening situations.

Various pictures of the shields used by the police were captured by Pio. Before being used, these shields are neatly arranged in order of ownership.

Pio successfully captured every moment very well. Even the shields that escaped attention felt very dramatic here.

"Police and scratches on the shield, evidence of many collisions experienced," writes Pio. It is clear that this shield has experienced collisions with other parties not just once or twice.

Chatting with friends while playing with their phones can still be done by the police on duty. However, they are ready to move immediately when there is a signal.

They are the police guarding the farthest area from the Bawaslu building. Since the scorching afternoon, the police have started guarding to ensure security during the demonstration.

Through his camera shots, Pio shows another side of the demonstration that took place on May 22, 2019. "This thread will have many photos of the merchants who take advantage of the crisis as an opportunity, it's very risky but that's their jihad, for their family and to survive in Jakarta," Pio wrote.  

When uploading these photos, Pio, the photographer, also expressed his feelings, "This thread of photos is my way of showing what happened during the mass action on May 22, 2019. It's about the struggle. The police who fight for the country, the protesters who fight for what they believe is right, and the people who fight for their family or simply to survive."

The empty streets of Jakarta are not a usual sight. Since some time before the planned demonstration, the area around Thamrin has been cleared of vehicles.

Photographer Pio Kharisma uploaded photos before the riot on May 22, 2019, in front of the Bawaslu office. He started by photographing various preparations by authorities to secure this demonstration.