CENTRAL JAVA – Demonstrations that have been taking place in Purwokerto, Banyumas Regency, since Friday (August 29, 2025) have ended in chaos. A number of facilities in the Banyumas Regency Government Hall (Pemkab) area have suffered severe damage, including the Satpol PP command post.
Tensions continued until Saturday (8/30/2025) afternoon. The crowd returned to gather in front of the Banyumas Regency Government Hall. Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, causing the demonstrators to run for their lives. A number of participants experienced shortness of breath, injuries, and fainting due to the heated situation.
The Purwokerto unit of the Free Health Service (LKC) Dompet Dhuafa Central Java immediately went on standby at the location. The LKC team has treated many victims injured in the mass action that ended in chaos. Today, Saturday (August 30, 2025), the team is again providing medical assistance and coordinating intensively with the referral hospital.
Read also: Rest in Peace, Affan, a Symbol of Struggle and Justice from the Streets
The head of the Central Java Purwokerto Unit of Dompet Dhuafa, Tuti Ngudiati, explained that patients with serious injuries had been coordinated with Ananda Purwokerto General Hospital. This step was taken to ensure that victims in need of treatment could be properly cared for.
“We have coordinated with the director of Ananda Purwokerto General Hospital regarding all patients referred from the mass action. For victims requiring observation, Ananda General Hospital guarantees free services. For victims with BPJS (Indonesian Health Insurance), they are encouraged to use BPJS facilities. If BPJS cannot be used, please contact LKC Dompet Dhuafa Purwokerto, and we will assist with advocacy and other necessary matters,” said Tuti on Saturday (August 30, 2025).
Read also: Dompet Dhuafa Expresses Deep Condolences on the Passing of Affan Kurniawan
In handling victims of demonstrations, LKC Dompet Dhuafa Central Java collaborates directly with the Director of Ananda Purwokerto General Hospital, Dr. Moch. Bhagavad Gita Gandhi Surya Dirgantara. The hospital has affirmed its commitment to helping victims, regardless of their background.
“Together with Dompet Dhuafa’s Free Health Service (LKC), we are ready to help victims (anyone) of the demonstration. We ensure that patients are well taken care of,” said Dr. Gandhi.
Currently, Dompet Dhuafa Central Java’s LKC is still in the process of collecting data and providing assistance to all patients referred from the mass action participants. This effort is undertaken so that victims do not feel alone in facing the impact of the chaotic incident. This assistance is a form of commitment to be present in the community, especially in emergency situations that pose a risk to humanitarian victims. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and Photos: Riza Muthohar, DD Central Java
Editor: Dhika