Jakarta – The Jakarta Police force is to deploy up to 2,000 officers to secure the first presidential debate at the Bidakara Hotel in South Jakarta, which is scheduled for Thursday.
"The Jakarta Police and the Indonesian Military would help to secure the first presidential debate at the Bidakara. The Jakarta Police have prepared 2,000 officers," police spokesman Argo Yuwono said on Monday, as quoted by wartakota.tribunnews.com.
Argo expressed hope that all supporters of both candidates would keep the debate running in an orderly manner.
He added that police officers are to be deployed at locations near the debate venue that are prone to traffic congestion.
The General Elections Commission (KPU) is to hold a series of five presidential debates in Jakarta starting on Jan. 17. Each debate would deal with a different topic. The debates are to be broadcast and live streamed by national television news agencies.
Indonesia is holding simultaneous presidential and legislative general elections on April 17. (sau)