1,246 Joint Personnel Deployed to Secure Demonstrations in Central Jakarta

A total of 1,246 joint personnel have been deployed to secure and oversee demonstrations held by several groups of protesters at various points in the Central Jakarta area on Thursday. Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Reynold E.P. Hutagalung, stated that the security operation is a form of police service aimed at maintaining security while respecting the public’s right to express their opinions in public. “We have prepared personnel to ensure that the expression of aspirations proceeds safely and orderly,” Reynold said in Jakarta on Thursday. Reynold explained that the deployed personnel came from the Metro Jaya Regional Police, Central Jakarta Metro Police, elements of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and the local government. He stressed the importance of a humanistic and persuasive approach, while continuing to prioritise the safety of the public and personnel in the field. He instructed all officers on duty to maintain professionalism, not to be easily provoked by situations on the ground, and not to carry firearms or sharp weapons during the security operation. Reynold also urged protest participants to convey their aspirations in an orderly manner and to refrain from actions that disrupt public order. Additionally, the police have prepared situational traffic diversions around the protest sites to anticipate vehicle congestion. The Central Jakarta Metro Police confirmed that security will be maintained until the entire series of protests concludes to keep the public security and order situation conducive. “We urge members of the public who will be passing through the protest areas to seek alternative routes. Traffic management will be carried out situationally based on developments in the field,” Reynold said. As is known, a demonstration by the United Indonesian Ojol Movement and various community elements is being held in the Gambir area. In addition, a protest is being conducted by the Student Alliance for Democracy along with several other elements in the area of the Indonesian House of Representatives/People’s Consultative Assembly (DPR/MPR RI) in Senayan.