Jakarta – Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. M. Iriawan denied reports he had given a "shoot on sight" directive ahead of protests planned for Friday (04/10), which is expected to see thousands rally against Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama who has been accused of blasphemy.

"The National Police have not released any orders to shoot on sight in securing the protest," Jakarta Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Awi Setiyono said in a written statement on Sunday.

The statement, issued by Iriawan through his spokesperson, has clarified circulating reports of the order.

Police are not permitted to carry firearms, much less shoot anyone, while securing the protest, Awi said. He urged the public to take extra precaution and be critical of rumors that are designed to cause public unrest.

"This provocation hopes to heat things up by twisting the news, for the parties involved to take on each other," Awi said, adding the media must report correctly.

Previously, reports circulated saying Iriawan had ordered police to shoot protesters during rallies ahead of the 2017 gubernatorial election in the case they become violent or out of control. This has since been denied by authorities.

Awi said police will secure every rally, adding that all Indonesians are afforded the right to protest safely and peacefully. He advised the public to avoid interest groups which become violent and create social unrest.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/jakarta-police-chief-denies-shoot-sight-order-protests/