Indonesia: Authorities to increase security in Bogor Regency Jan. 8

Event

Officials will increase security around Gunung Sindur Prison in Bogor Regency Jan. 8, as the prominent Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir is released from detainment. Family members and supporters of Ba'asyir and journalists will also likely be at the site.

Authorities will likely deploy additional personnel and may close roads nearby the site to facilitate security measures. Supporters of Ba'asyir may attempt to stage rallies at the location. Localized transport and business disruptions are likely due to tightened security and possible protests. Clashes and mass arrests are possible if demonstrators attempt to breach security cordons or if security personnel consider any crowds to violate coronavirus disease (COVID-19) concerns.

Context

Ba'asyir has been in prison since 2011 for funding a military training camp for terrorists in Aceh. He was also the spiritual leader of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), which was involved in several major attacks in Indonesia, including the 2002 and 2005 Bali bombings. Indonesian authorities had canceled a plan to release Ba'asyir in January 2019 after the Australian government expressed concerns over the policy; Australians constitute the largest number of casualties in the 2002 Bali attack. While Ba'asyir's release is unlikely to increase the threat of terrorism in Indonesia in the short term, the release may allow him to continue preaching to his supporters.

Advice

Avoid Gunung Sindur Prison and its surrounding areas Jan. 8 due to increased security measures and possible protests. Plan for localized transport and business disruptions. If clashes occur nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter at a non-government building. Heed all official security and transport advisories.