Protesters and Security Forces Sit Together During Orations in Central Jakarta
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Student protesters from several universities in Jakarta delivered orations in an orderly manner on Jalan MH Thamrin, even appearing to sit alongside the security personnel tasked with maintaining order, despite brief moments of tension.
Participants took turns delivering speeches to voice their demands during this demonstration. Security personnel, consisting of TNI and Polri members, were present amongst the crowd, listening to the proceedings.
Although the situation became more conducive, there were moments of friction between the protesters and the officers, though these did not last long. After several heated exchanges, both the authorities and the protesters ultimately agreed to respect one another and conduct the demonstration peacefully.
Towards evening, protesters continued to arrive from the Semanggi direction, moving towards the Bundaran HI area while carrying various protest attributes. Car horns could be heard echoing around Jalan MH Thamrin, while in the Semanggi area, the public began to gather as they prepared to return home.
The Bundaran HI area was blockaded by the protesters. The Metro Jaya Regional Police stated that the decision to sterilise the Bundaran Hotel Indonesia (HI) area from protest activities was based on technical studies and in-depth social impact analyses conducted on the ground.
The Jenderal Sudirman and M.H. Thamrin axes are considered the epicentre and primary drivers of vehicle circulation in the capital. Consequently, a concentration of masses at this point was deemed a high risk for triggering total traffic paralysis, which could have a domino effect on surrounding arterial roads.
In addition to being a major vehicular route, the police noted that the Bundaran HI area has developed into a highly strategic hub for mass transportation. Any disruption at this point was assessed to directly cut off public transport access for citizens intending to work or carry out daily activities.
Furthermore, the Bundarak HI area serves as a zone of national vital economic importance and a centre for international hotels. The police assessed that security stability and comfort in the area must be jointly maintained to preserve the image and economic circulation in the heart of the city.