Polda Metro Jaya: Road Closures During Protests Are Situational

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Polda Metro Jaya has stated that the scheme for blocking traffic flow on a number of Jakarta’s protocol roads during demonstrations or the expression of aspirations is situational in nature, aimed at maintaining the smooth running of public activities. “The road closures are situational. The Sudirman, Thamrin, and Bundaran HI corridors are the central of gravity for Jakarta,” said Polda Metro Jaya Head of Public Relations, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, in Jakarta on Friday. He explained that these areas are vital points for the economy, hospitality, and the central hub for various modes of public transport in the capital. According to him, if a build-up of masses triggers congestion in the area, the impact will spread to other arterial route nodes, including Jalan Gatot Subroto. “This is considered to be able to hinder public activities as well as economic turnover,” Budi said. To anticipate such conditions, Polda Metro Jaya, through the Central Jakarta Metro Police and the Directorate of Intelligence and Security, has facilitated certain designated points so that the masses can convey their aspirations in an orderly manner. Regarding the estimated number of participants, Budi mentioned that approximately 500 to 750 people are expected to attend. This figure refers to the official notification letter that has been received by the police. Nevertheless, the police are still anticipating the presence of fluid masses around the protest location. “These fluid masses include members of the public who are merely watching the demonstration, as well as Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) traders operating in the action area,” Budi said. Polda Metro Jaya deployed 4,839 joint personnel to ensure participants can express their aspirations safely and orderly, while maintaining the smooth flow of public activities around the protest site. The 4,839 joint personnel consist of 3,728 Polda Metro Jaya personnel, 340 personnel from Central Jakarta Metro Police and East Jakarta Metro Police, 642 TNI personnel, and 129 personnel from the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government. The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government elements involved include the Transportation Agency, the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP), the Health Agency, and the Fire and Rescue Agency. Budi stressed that all actions by personnel in the field must be under a single command. Equipment checks were also conducted to ensure no members were carrying firearms. “The safety of participants, the surrounding community, and officers is the priority. No personnel are carrying or using firearms,” he asserted. He revealed that the personnel were stationed at several points, including Monas, the HI Roundabout, Dukuh Atas, the Horse Statue, Harmoni, Tugu Tani, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, Jalan MH Thamrin, Semanggi, and the Senayan Roundabout.