Protestors initially gathered in front of the Grahadi Building demanding the release of a colleague arrested by the Surabaya police on Friday, August 29, 2025.The situation escalated when the crowd set fire to the building. The fire spread to adjacent areas, including Deputy Governor Dardak's office and a room used by journalists.
East Java Military Commander and Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa responded to the situation by meeting with the protestors. governor Parawansa pledged to coordinate with the surabaya City Police to secure the release of those detained, and confirmed that two individuals had already been released earlier that day.