Harumbi Prastya Hidayahningrum, Viqia Sastrawardana, Jakarta – Jakarta police have deployed 9,505 personnel alongside the military and local government officials to secure demonstrations and other public activities on Tuesday, as students and civil society groups protest the performance of President Prabowo Subianto's administration on its second anniversary.
The Jakarta Metro Police said the joint force would oversee 26 demonstrations and 26 other public activities across its jurisdiction, with security measures intended to protect citizens' right to express their views while maintaining public order.
Jakarta Police Chief Dadang Hartanto said officers would prioritize public service and respect the public's democratic rights.
"Today's security approach is to provide services to citizens, reflecting that our country is a democracy," Dadang said during a briefing at the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta.
The force comprises 7,660 police officers, 1,540 military personnel, 135 Jakarta provincial government officials and 170 internal security officers.
Dadang instructed personnel to remain professional, control their emotions and prioritize communication and a humane approach when dealing with demonstrators. Any action taken by officers, he said, must be proportionate and comply with standard operating procedures.
The protests are expected to focus on five main demands: stronger action against environmental disasters and the revocation of permits held by companies accused of environmental damage; economic policy reform and efforts to restore market confidence; an end to restrictions on freedom of expression; stronger efforts to eradicate corruption, collusion and nepotism; and lower education and health-care costs, alongside more equitable access to public services.
Jakarta Military Commander. Deddy Suryadi stressed coordination between the military and police, saying officers should ensure public safety while allowing people to express their views peacefully.
Traffic diversions
Jakarta's Transportation Agency has prepared alternative routes to anticipate congestion as demonstrations are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. local time.
Six areas have been designated as protest locations: the National Monument, Tugu Tani, the House of Representatives complex, Cawang UKI, the Senayan Roundabout and Rawamangun.
Transportation Agency head Budi Awaluddin urged motorists to avoid the affected areas where possible and adjust their travel times and routes.
The Police said traffic diversions would be implemented as needed, depending on conditions on the ground.
Police spokesman Budi Hermanto encouraged residents to follow updates through the police's official social media accounts, @poldametrojaya and @tmcpoldametro. Residents requiring police assistance can also call the 110 emergency hotline.
Authorities urged demonstrators and the wider public to maintain order so the protests could proceed peacefully without endangering people or unnecessarily disrupting daily activities.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/jakarta-deploys-9505-personnel-to-secure-prabowo-anniversary-protest