Indonesia: Demonstrations continue in Jakarta May 22 /update 5

Event

Election-related demonstrations are ongoing in Jakarta as of 06:00 (local time) on Wednesday, May 22. Supporters of opposing candidate Prabowo Subianto took to the streets on the night of Tuesday, May 21, after incumbent President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo was declared the winner of the April 17 elections. Thousands of people gathered in central Jakarta, including near Tanah Abang and Jalan Wahid Hasyim in the Menteng neighborhood. Isolated clashes between demonstrators and security forces broke out in some areas, particularly outside of the election supervisory agency (Bawaslu) building. Protesters have set some vehicles on fire and threw rocks and fireworks at riot police. At least 20 people have been arrested and police officers are using tear gas to disperse the crowds. Demonstrations will likely continue in Jakarta in the coming hours and days, along with further clashes between protesters and security forces. Associated political rallies may also take place in other cities throughout the country.

Heightened security measures were implemented throughout Jakarta in the days leading up to the announcement of the election results. Around 30,000 security personnel were deployed into the city, along with armored vehicles and water cannons. A security cordon has been established around the General Election Commission (KPU) building on Jalan Imam Bonjol in the Menteng, and similar measures may be implemented around other government offices and buildings. Some schools and offices have also been closed as a precaution. Additional security measures, including road closures and telecommunication disruptions, are possible if protests escalate. Significant traffic disruptions are also expected around all demonstration sites.

Context

The KPU announced on the night of May 21 that President Widodo won the April 17 elections after securing 55.5 percent of the vote. Opposing candidate Prabowo Subianto received 44.5 percent but has alleged there was widespread voter fraud and cheating. Prabowo's campaign team has said it will contest the election results in the Constitutional Court.

Advice

Individuals in Jakarta, and Indonesia more generally, are advised to anticipate heightened security measures, protests, and transportation and telecommunication disruptions, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, avoid all public demonstrations, and refrain from discussing politics in public or on social media.