1,030 Joint Personnel Deployed to Secure Protest at Home Affairs Ministry
Jakarta (ANTARA) - A total of 1,030 joint personnel have been placed on standby to secure a demonstration by the West Java Provincial Branch of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI), which will take place in front of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) office in Central Jakarta on Tuesday.
Central Jakarta Metropolitan Police Chief Senior Commissioner Reynold EP Hutagalung stressed that all personnel have been instructed to prioritise a persuasive and humanist approach in escorting the public’s expression of aspirations.
“We guarantee the public’s right to express opinions in public in accordance with prevailing regulations. All personnel have been instructed by me to act professionally and humanely, not to be easily provoked, and to prioritise dialogue at every stage of the security operation,” Reynold said in an official statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He also affirmed that the personnel tasked with securing the protest would not be equipped with firearms.
According to him, this step is part of the National Police’s commitment to prioritising a humanist approach and avoiding the potential for escalation in the field.
Before the security operation began, a troop inspection was carried out, led by Gambir Metropolitan Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Agus Ady Wijaya, to ensure all personnel were ready to carry out their duties according to procedure.
In addition, Reynold also appealed to all protest participants to convey their aspirations in an orderly and peaceful manner and not to commit anarchic acts.
He hoped that participants would express their opinions in accordance with prevailing law, respect the rights of road users and people going about their activities, and follow the directions of officers in the field.
“The National Police are present to secure and protect all parties, so we hope the action can proceed safely, calmly and in a conducive manner,” said Reynold.
In addition to crowd control, traffic officers have also been placed on standby to relieve vehicle congestion around the Medan Merdeka Utara area and the access routes to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The public has been urged to avoid the road sections that are points of mass concentration and to use alternative routes where necessary.
As the security operation proceeded, the situation around the Kemendagri office was observed to be safe, orderly and conducive.
“The Central Jakarta Metropolitan Police also remind the public to immediately contact the police service line 110 if they need assistance or encounter potential threats to public security and order,” Reynold added.