Indonesia: Heightened security expected in Jakarta before official election results /update 2

Event

Indonesia is deploying additional security personnel to Jakarta as of Wednesday, May 15, to secure the capital ahead of the official announcement of election results on Wednesday, May 22, and concerns over a potential terrorist attacks. Incumbent President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is expected to win though opposing candidate Prabowo Subianto has rejected the preliminary results and claimed fraud. Frequent protests have been held in Jakarta, particularly near the electoral commission on Jalan Imam Bonjol in the Menteng neighborhood. Security officials warned of a heightened threat of a terrorist attack following the arrest of members of a suspected terror cell. Heightened security measures are expected in Jakarta, particularly Menteng, in the coming days, including deployments of security forces, road closures, security cordons and other barriers, and telecommunication disruptions. Demonstrations and associated disruptions to transportation are also likely.

Context

Indonesia held elections on April 17 with Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, the incumbent president, winning an estimated 56 percent of the votes, according to preliminary tallies. His rival Probowo Subianto has rejected the results and alleged fraud. The official tallies are scheduled to be released on May 22.

Advice

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