Polda Metro Jaya Deploys 4,151 Personnel to Secure Student Protest

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya), together with elements of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), deployed 4,151 joint personnel to escort and secure a public expression of opinion by a number of student groups in Central Jakarta on Friday.

Head of Public Relations for Polda Metro Jaya, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, stated in Jakarta on Friday that the deployment was carried out to ensure the expression of aspirations proceeded safely and in an orderly manner.

“Polda Metro Jaya respects the right of citizens to express their opinions in public. The presence of personnel on the ground is to provide service and security so that the activity runs safely, orderly, and does not disrupt other members of the public,” Budi said.

Budi detailed that the thousands of joint personnel consisted of 3,651 police officers and were supported by 500 TNI personnel. In addition to deploying personnel, the police have also mapped out a number of anticipatory measures regarding the dynamics of the situation on the ground.

“These anticipatory measures include potential traffic congestion, vehicle convoys, disruption to public facilities, and potential criminal acts,” Budi said.

Regarding traffic flow around the Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan and Monas areas, Budi explained that the police have prepared situational traffic diversions.

“We have prepared situational traffic management. If there is congestion or a need to divert traffic around the protest location, officers will implement traffic engineering while prioritising the safety of participants and road users,” he said.

Polda Metro Jaya also appealed to all protesters to express their aspirations peacefully and comply with the applicable laws and regulations.

“We urge participants to remain orderly, not to carry dangerous objects, not to commit acts of vandalism, and to work together to maintain a conducive situation,” Budi concluded.