Indonesia: 2018 Asian Games to begin August 18 /update 1

Event

Indonesia is set to host the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang (South Sumatra) beginning Saturday, August 18, and running through Sunday, September 2. The opening ceremonies will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on August 18, with athletic events being held across the city and its surrounding areas as well as in Palembang in southern Sumatra. The games are expected to bring approximately 100,000 people to the city, including 12,000 athletes and delegates along with 5000 journalists. Primary venues include the Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex, the Jakarta International Velodrome, Gelora Sriwijaya Stadium (Pelambang), Bumi Sriwijaya Stadium (Pelambang), Jalak Harupat Stadium (Bandung), Pakansari Stadium (Bandung Regency), Patriot Candrabaga Stadium (Bekasi), and Wibawa Mukti Stadium (Bekasi Regency).

The authorities are mobilizing 100,000 security personnel to safeguard the games against crime and terrorism. Jakarta is also instituting an alternating license plate policy and closing schools for the two weeks of the events in an effort to cut down on traffic. 

Advice

Individuals present and traveling to Indonesia during the games are advised to anticipate traffic disruptions, a heightened security presence, and to follow all instructions issued by local authorities.

According to various Western intelligence security assessments, the threat of terrorism poses a significant security risk to individuals in Indonesia. Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and intent to carry out such attacks throughout the country. Past attacks have included suicide bombings and shootings targeting public and crowded places.