"Detention Cell" at the 2026 TNI Fair Monas, Visitors Can Take Photos at the POMAL Investigation Photobooth

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - A booth at the 2026 TNI Fair in the National Monument (Monas) area, Central Jakarta, offers visitors a unique experience.

Instead of just viewing exhibits, visitors can take photos as if they are inside the investigation room of the Navy Military Police (POMAL).

The booth is named the "Investigation Photobooth." Its design mimics the POMAL investigator's room, complete with an examination table, computer, chairs, and even a detention cell.

At the front of the booth, a large banner reads "INVESTIGATION PHOTOBOOTH," featuring the Navy anchor logo.

Upon entering, visitors find an area designed to resemble an investigation office. One section features iron bars forming a small detention cell.

Inside the cell sits a mannequin dressed in an orange detainee uniform, with a visible prisoner number printed on the outfit.

A folding cot is placed inside the cell to further simulate a detention room atmosphere. However, visitors can only take photos from outside the bars.

Elsewhere in the booth, there is a work desk equipped with a computer, printer, and chair. The chair faces a seat typically used for interrogations.

On one side of the room is a height measurement board marked "POMAL," resembling the measuring boards used during suspect processing.

Several fully uniformed Navy personnel stand guard around the booth. Visitors take turns striking various poses, both in front of the cell and at the interrogation chair.

Depicting the POMAL Investigator's Workspace

Dian Desam Tri Rahma, an investigator from Puspomal, explained that the photobooth's concept is intentionally designed to depict the POMAL investigator’s office atmosphere to the public.

"The theme portrays what my office looks like. So, when I conduct investigations, I’m also accompanied by detainees inside that cell," Dian said when met by Kompas.com at the TNI Fair on Saturday (19/9/2026).

The detainee inside the cell is a replica mannequin used as part of the photobooth’s decor.

According to Dian, this concept is also a way for POMAL to introduce its role and work environment to the public through a more interactive experience.

She explained that POMAL’s duties differ from ordinary police.

"We’re similar to the police, but we don’t investigate civilians," she said.

Over 200 Visitors Have Tried It

The booth was prepared two days before the TNI Fair started. Staff arrived at the site around 7 a.m. on Saturday to ready the booth before visitors arrived.

At the time of the interview, Dian mentioned that over 200 people had already tried the photobooth.

Visitor enthusiasm is evident from the lines forming around the booth. People come not only to see the displayed props but also to take photos in front of the cell or at the interrogation area.

Visitors do not need to pay to use the photobooth. They can come and take photos using their own phones.

However, POMAL also prepares souvenirs for visitors who meet certain requirements.

Visitors wishing to receive accessories are asked to scan a barcode and follow a designated Instagram account.

Afterward, staff will assist in taking photos with the visitors’ phones.

"If you don’t want the accessories and just want to take photos, that’s fine too — it’s free," Dian said.

The souvenirs include tumblers, stickers, and keychains.

POMAL prepares around 150 tumblers and other accessories daily.

If those run out, visitors can still get stickers as long as supplies last.

About 500 stickers are available each day.

This concept makes the POMAL booth not only a place to look around but also one of the most visited spots at the TNI Fair.

Through the replica investigation room and detention cell, visitors get a glimpse of POMAL’s work environment while enjoying a unique photo-taking experience not typically found at exhibition booths.

TNI Fair Held for Two Days

The 2026 TNI Fair takes place at the Monas intersection area in Central Jakarta from Saturday (19/9/2026) to Sunday (20/9/2026). The event is part of the 81st anniversary celebrations of the TNI.

Besides weaponry exhibitions, visitors can see military technology displays, information on TNI soldier recruitment, soldier performances, and various booths from TNI units.