Indonesia: Activists plan to demonstrate outside the State Palace in Jakarta from 1300 Dec. 18

Event

Multiple Muslim and civic groups, including Alumni Brotherhood (PA) 212 and Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), plan to demonstrate outside the State Palace in Jakarta from 1300 Dec. 18. The action is to demand the authorities release the FPI leader and prominent cleric Rizieq Shihab, who is under police detention for allegedly violating coronavirus disease (COVID-19) health protocols during a Nov. 14 event in Jakarta. The action site is near other government buildings, such as the state secretariat, ministries of defence, home affairs, transport, and the American embassy. Hundreds to thousands of people may participate in the gathering.

Authorities will almost certainly increase security, including erecting roadblocks and security cordons, at the State Palace and its surrounding area. Localized traffic and business disruptions are likely during the action, especially if activists occupy nearby roads, such as Jalan Majapahit and Jalan Veteran. Clashes are possible if authorities forcibly disperse the demonstrators. Mass arrests may occur if security forces consider any protester to violate coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions.

Advice

Avoid the protest due to possible clashes. Plan for localized traffic and business disruptions. If violence occurs nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter in a non-governmental building. Heed all official security and transport advisories.