Aid Posts Set Up for 28 October Demonstration at Bundaran HI

Logistics aid posts were set up at several locations around the 28 October demonstration at Bundaran HI in Central Jakarta.

CNNIndonesia.com observed that several community alliances had established logistics posts before demonstrators arrived at Bundaran HI.

One free logistics post was set up by the Indonesian Mothers Alliance. It was consistently busy, with piles of snacks, fruit and bottled water on display. The post was also surrounded by lines of police officers.

Anet, a representative of the Indonesian Mothers Alliance, said the post reflected the spirit of gotong royong, or mutual assistance, embedded in society. Setting up the logistics post was also a way to practise mutual assistance while voicing the group’s views on the state of the country.

“We are here as mothers, women and civilians, organising ourselves to support our fellow students who are on their way here to voice the people’s demands today,” Anet said on Wednesday (28 October).

Anet said the food and drink supplies came not only from members, but also from many residents who spontaneously arrived to make additional donations.

“Lots of people dropped things off earlier and brought them straight here. Some also donated money, which we used to buy supplies,” she said.

However, Anet said she felt uneasy about the police presence surrounding the post, saying it felt as though the presence of officers threatened the space for civil liberties.

Another logistics post had been set up by Jakarta M3nyala. Cai, one of the post’s initiators, said the group had been at the site near Bundaran HI since 11am. He said this was not the first time Jakarta M3nyala residents had joined forces to establish a logistics post for a demonstration.

Supplies were gathered without lengthy coordination. Residents who wanted to contribute could simply come by and bring donations.

“People passing by are moved to help. They suddenly drop supplies at the post, so it happens spontaneously. We don’t even know one another. It all happens spontaneously because we all care about the people of Indonesia,” Cai said.

Alongside the community logistics posts, the National Police (Polri) also set up a post at the Bundaran HI demonstration site. As well as serving security personnel, it was open to demonstrators.

“Medical teams have been prepared not only for security personnel, but are also available to demonstrators who may need medical assistance,” said Polri Public Information Division head Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir.

“We urge the public to express their aspirations peacefully, in an orderly and responsible manner. The police are here to provide services so that people can express their views safely and comfortably, while continuing to respect everyone’s rights,” he added.

The demonstration, held on Youth Pledge Day, was expected to involve student organisations from several universities and various sections of the public.