Security forces prepare to oversee student protest at Bundaran HI

A number of security personnel from the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) have been deployed in preparation for a student demonstration at the Bundaran HI area in Central Jakarta on Friday.

ANTARA reported from the location that officers were seen preparing crowd-control equipment such as shields, and motor vehicles were on standby in the area.

The situation around Bundaran HI currently remains quiet, with no student activity observed yet. The protest was initially planned for 10:00 WIB, but information at the scene suggests the students may only begin moving at 13:00 WIB, as no demonstrators had arrived at the time of reporting.

Previously, the Metro Jaya Regional Police, together with TNI elements, deployed a total of 4,151 joint personnel to oversee and secure the expression of opinions by various student groups in Central Jakarta on Friday.

Metro Jaya Police spokesperson, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, stated that the deployment aims to ensure the aspirational activities proceed safely and in an orderly manner.

“Polda Metro Jaya respects the rights 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 without disturbing other members of the public,” said Budi.

Budi detailed that the thousands of joint personnel consist of 3,651 police officers supported by 500 TNI personnel. In addition to deploying personnel, the police have also mapped out several anticipatory measures to address dynamic situations on the ground.