20 Jan 2021 | 02:20 AM UTC
Indonesia: Protests plan to gather outside the Customs Department in Karimun, Jan. 20
Activists plan to demonstrate outside the Customs Department in Karimun, Riau Islands, Indonesia, Jan. 20. Clashes possible.
Event
Protesters plan to gather outside the Customs Department in Karimun, Riau Islands Province, Jan. 20. The action is to demand action against an official, who had allegedly shot and killed a businessperson Jan. 15. The start time of the action is unclear. Organizers claim over a thousand people will participate in the demonstration.
Authorities will almost certainly increase security at the Customs Department and other customs facilities in Karimun Jan. 20. Localized traffic and business disruptions will probably occur during the action, especially if activists occupy nearby roads. The demonstrators have threatened violence if the Customs Department does not hand the alleged assailant to the police; clashes are possible during the rally. Mass arrests may occur if security forces consider any protester to violate coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions.
Karimun is around 75 km (46 miles) west-southwest of Batam.
Advice
Avoid the Customs Department and its surrounding area Jan. 20 as a precaution. 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.
