Indonesia: Security forces prepare for electoral campaign season /update 1

Event

Indonesian police and military forces deployed additional personnel in preparation for the political campaign season before legislative and presidential elections in April 2019. More than 270,000 total personnel will be deployed, beginning Thursday, September 20, through the announcement of the election results next year. The official campaign period began on Sunday, September 23. Frequent demonstrations and rallies are anticipated in the coming months, along with an increased security presence.

Context

Legislative and presidential elections are scheduled to be held on April 17, 2019. Approximately 187 million Indonesians are eligible to vote in the polls. The main contest for the presidential election is projected to be incumbent President Joko Widodo, or "Jikowi," of the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) against his rival former General Prabowo Subianto of the Gerindra party.

Advice

Individuals in Indonesia are advised to avoid political gatherings and rallies as a precaution due to the risk of violence, avoid discussing sensitive political issues in public, and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.