Indonesia: Demonstrators to gather against Omnibus bill in Jakarta on October 13 /update 1

Event

Demonstrators will gather in Istana Merdeka (Merdeka Palace) in Jakarta at 13:00 (local time) on Tuesday, October 13, to protest against the controversial 'Omnibus' bill. Daily protests will reportedly be held between October 12-16 in the same location, with hundreds of workers expected to participate in the protests.

Similar demonstrations on Thursday, October 8, saw protesters throw stones at security forces, prompting tear gas and water cannon to be deployed by police to disperse those gathered.

Further demonstrations are possible across the country in the near term. A heightened security presence and localized disruptions are possible in the vicinity of all demonstrations. All protests will likely be very well attended.

Context

The Omnibus bill was passed into law on Monday, October 5, and opponents believe the bill will undermine labor rights in Indonesia and weaken environmental protections in favor of big business.

Some 400 people have been detained in major cities in the latest series of demonstrations, and two students hospitalized with serious head injuries.

Advice

Those in Indonesia are advised to monitor the situation, avoid demonstrations and political gatherings, and heed any instructions issued by local authorities