East Java Governor’s Residence Complex Attacked, Looted During Surabaya Protests
Surabaya, East Java – The Grahadi State Building, the official residence complex of the East Java Governor in Surabaya, was set ablaze and looted by a mob on Saturday, August 30, 2025, following demonstrations on Jalan Gubernur Suryo. The incident began after East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa met with protestors at approximately 8:30 PM WIB (Western Indonesian Time).
The arson and looting represent a significant escalation of unrest in Surabaya, though the initial cause of the demonstrations remains unclear. The attack targeted multiple areas within the complex, including the office of the Deputy Governor of East Java, the household bureau, the general bureau, and the press room.
Tempo reported the fire was first observed on the west side of Grahadi around 9:30 PM WIB. Shortly after,individuals were seen removing items from the burning building,including carpets,tables,cardboard boxes containing printers,files,mattresses,office chairs,a laptop,and even a mobile fire extinguisher.
Witnesses reported seeing people dressed in black carrying the stolen goods along Jalan Basuki Rahmat, while residents chanted “Cair, cair cak” as they passed. Firecrackers were reportedly thrown toward the building before the fire officially broke out at 9:50 PM WIB.As of 11:02 PM WIB, large crowds remained in the streets surrounding the Grahadi State Building, continuing to set off fireworks directed at the complex.The crowds dispersed around 11:06 PM WIB with the arrival of police and trucks from Jalan Tunjungan. The extent of the damage and the total value of stolen items are currently unkown.