Jakarta Police have a secret weapon to help deal with thousands of protesters expected to march today against the government's plans to hike fuel prices – 50 unarmed female officers trained in understanding the psychology of potentially dangerous mobs.

Sr. Comr. Agung Budi Maryoto, head of the Jakarta Police operational bureau, confirmed on Tuesday that they had dispatched two platoons of female personnel, who were also trained to deal with female protesters.

Agung said the officers – part of a massive security operation involving 22,000 police and military personnel – would be positioned at key areas, including the National Monument (Monas) Park, Presidential Palace and House of Representatives (DPR).

"If most of the protesters appear to be female and then the protest turns violent, male officers trying to deal with them would be prone to sexual harassment allegations," Agung said, adding the deployment was "based on ethics and human rights considerations."

He said the female officers were also expected to help deal with any female protesters who fainted during the protests.

Agung said the unarmed officers, who had been trained to understand the psychology of large crowds, would help to calm mobs with their negotiation skills and calm emotions.

Jakarta Police earlier said on Monday up to 22,000 security officers, including 8,000 military personnel, would be dispatched to secure what were expected to be massive protests.

Police have received a report that at least 8,000 protesters are set to stage protests against the fuel price hikes on Tuesday, although the actual figure is expected to be far larger than that, as both labor unions and student organizations have vowed to join the rallies. (Antara/JG)