Vebyana Putri Amanda, Antara, Jakarta – The Indonesian Military (TNI) has prepared 20,980 personnel for deployment in Jakarta, with reinforcements arriving in stages as the military steps up security measures in the capital.
The deployment has drawn support from Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, while Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the city's security situation remained normal, with no worrying disturbances.
The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) said the deployment was ordered by TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, with the Jaya Regional Military Command (Kodam Jaya) overseeing operations.
The first phase began on Nov. 2, involving 2,100 personnel from units already stationed in Jakarta, including the Marine Corps, First Fleet Command, Naval Regional Command III, and the Military Sealift Command.
Another 5,740 personnel from outside the capital were scheduled to arrive on Wednesday by land and aboard Navy warships.
The remaining 13,140 personnel, drawn from Navy headquarters and units stationed in Jakarta, are on full alert at their respective bases and can be deployed if needed.
TNI spokesman Maj. Gen. Muhammad Nas described the troop movements as part of the military's routine duties to protect the country and maintain national unity.
Army spokesman Brig. Gen. Donny Pramono said the movements were intended to maintain security and national sovereignty while preparing military units and personnel for "possible developments" in the capital.
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung said on Wednesday that security and defense were the responsibility of the central government, adding that his administration would support measures to maintain stability in the capital.
"Jakarta is the country's capital, a global city and the center of the national economy. So, if additional security personnel are deployed, I, as Jakarta's governor, would like to express my gratitude," Pramono told reporters at Jakarta City Hall.
Yusril, meanwhile, said there had been no worrying developments in Jakarta's security situation.
"Security conditions in Jakarta are normal. There have been no worrying disturbances," Yusril told reporters in Banda Aceh on Wednesday, responding to questions about the large-scale military deployment.
Possible developments
The deployment comes amid heightened security concerns following protests by students and civil society groups in Jakarta and other cities. Demonstrators took to the streets on Youth Pledge Day on Oct. 28 to demand action on forest fires, state spending, education, and civil liberties.
Tensions escalated around the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout that evening, where police fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse crowds. Some demonstrators set off flares, climbed a traffic police post and burned tires and plastic barriers along Jalan Jenderal Sudirman.
Further demonstrations are reportedly planned for Nov. 10, which marks National Heroes Day.
Meanwhile, President Prabowo Subianto has ordered National Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into allegations of illegal wiretapping, unauthorized access and the deletion of electronic data involving three police generals.
State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said the alleged surveillance operation could have threatened the president's safety and national interests.
"We believe these actions fall into a category that points toward treason, endangering national security and interests, including the safety of the country's leadership," he said.
The National Police's Criminal Investigation Department named former presidential chief of staff and former police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo a suspect on Tuesday, alongside two active police generals, Inspector General Ahrie Sonta and Inspector General Eko Hadi. Another individual is being questioned as a witness.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/indonesia-puts-20980-troops-on-standby-for-jakarta-security-operation