Jakarta, indonesia – โThe Indonesia Shopping Center Association (APPBI) has โคrefuted widespreadโ reports of mall looting amid ongoing demonstrations across the โcountry, as of August 31, 2025.APPBI Chairman Alphonsus โฃWidjaja stated that manny circulating claims are “untrue, a hoax,” and that the association has not received reports confirming looting incidents at shopping centers.
The clarification comes as protests escalate and follow incidents of looting targeting theโ residences of lawmakers and a government minister over the past two days. While demonstrations โcontinue inโ some โขareas, mall managementโ is focused on maintaining operations โand ensuringโค the safety of customers, according โto Widjaja.
Widjaja explained thatโฃ shopping centers are requesting assistance from the central government to bolster security, allowing them to continueโข providing essential supplies to the public. Individual mallsโค will assess local conditions and decide whether to remain open or temporarily close, prioritizing the safety of visitors.
“Considering that some (shopping centers) are located in areas directly impacted by the demonstrations,โฃ the management will each weigh and take situational decisions,” Widjaja said. He also noted that increased shopping for basic necessities remains “relatively under control,” and retailers are committed to meeting the essential needs of Indonesian citizens.
Recentโฃ looting incidents have targeted the homes of DPRโฃ legislators Ahmad Sahroni, Eko Patrio, and Uya โฃKuya, as well as the residenceโ of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani.
