Indonesia: Police and demonstrators clash in Jakarta October 8 /update 1

Event

Police and demonstrators clashed in Jakarta on Thursday, October 8, amid continued protests against the controversial 'Omnibus' bill. Associated labor strikes have also continued for a third consecutive day. Reports indicate that demonstrators gathered near the presidential palace (Merdeka Palace) and threw stones at security forces, prompting tear gas and water cannon to be deployed to disperse those gathered.

Similar protests have taken place across the country on Thursday, including in remote areas such as North Maluku province. Other demonstrations were scheduled to take place in Surabaya (East Java province), and Yogyakarta (Special Region of Yogyakarta).

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. 

In the past two days, some 400 people have been detained in major cities, 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