Gisela Swaragita, Jakarta – Authorities in Jakarta are preparing for the worst when Islamic group 212 Rally Alumni is expected to gather at the National Monument (Monas) square in Central Jakarta, despite previously claiming that the event would not need special arrangements.
The group was named after the Dec. 2, 2016, rally to call for the prosecution of then-Jakarta governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama for blasphemy. The group plan to meet for second-year "reunion" on Sunday.
Jakarta Transportation Agency acting head Sigit Wijatmoko said Sunday's Car Free Day (CFD) event would be restricted as a result.
CFD, organized by the Jakarta administration, is held weekly on the city's main thoroughfares, Jl. Jendral Sudirman and Jl. MH Thamrin.
"After coordinating with the police, [it was decided that] residents will still have a Car Free Day event, but only on Jl. Sudirman," Sigit said on Friday, adding that the agency would deploy 350 of its officers for traffic management.
Meanwhile, some 20,000 personnel from the Indonesian Military (TNI), Jakarta Police and the city administration will be stationed at several locations, Jakarta Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Argo Yuwono said on Friday.
He said the police were currently preparing a traffic engineering scheme for Sunday. "It will be situational in the field. Officers themselves will decide whether there will be a traffic diversion, contraflow or open-closed policy," Argo said.
National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Dedi Prasetyo previously said that the 212 reunion rally would be a small event, one that even the Gambir District Police could handle. (gis/ami)