Police are still investigating many of the protesters who committed acts of violence during Tuesday’s chaotic public transportation driver protest. One of the people they have already arrested is the owner of a Facebook account “Feri Yanto Pendekar BlueBird” (Feri Yanto the BlueBird Swordsman), which showed a number of images of the BlueBird taxi driver as well as weapons.
“The suspect had previously taunted other taxi drivers online via a provocative message on Facebook. FY (Feri Yanto) provoked them, then he posted photos and messages that essentially invited the taxi drivers to march and carry weapons while protesting,” said Jakarta Police Commissioner Mujiyono on Wednesday as quoted by Kompas.
Mujiyono said that Feri was arrested on Tuesday night in Fatmawati, South Jakarta. He added that his actions led to protesting drivers “sweeping” roads for other drivers, resulting in violent clashes in several locations.
Feri is being charged by police under Indonesia’s controversial ITE law which criminalizes defamatory or provocative statement made online. Under the law, he could face a maximum of six years imprisonment or a maximum fine of Rp 1 billion. He has also been charged under Article 160 of the Criminal Code for inciting violence.
