Jakarta Police Prepare Security for 61 Demonstrations Today

Metro Jaya Police said 61 demonstrations are due to take place across Jakarta today, Thursday (29 October). A further 17 public activities are also scheduled.

“There are several locations for activities today: 61 locations for public expressions of opinion and 17 other public activities,” Metro Jaya Police public relations chief Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto told reporters.

Budi said the demonstrations would be spread across several locations, including outside the DPR/MPR building, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), the Kamisan protest at Taman Pandang, and a demonstration organised by Trisakti University students.

He said Metro Jaya Police, together with the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Jakarta provincial government, were ready to oversee the demonstrations.

“Metro Jaya Police, the TNI, the Jakarta provincial government and security officers will continue to provide support for these activities, particularly the expression of aspirations in public,” he said.

Budi urged groups planning demonstrations to submit a notification to the police so officers could provide an escort. He also called on participants to express their views in an orderly and peaceful manner and in accordance with the applicable rules.

“The right to express opinions is a citizens’ right, protected by the Constitution and the law, and we must all understand that,” he said.

“The presence of officers is to provide an escort and ensure that these expressions of aspiration can take place safely, orderly and peacefully. They must also protect and safeguard other members of the public who are not taking part in the demonstrations,” he added.