Indonesia: Various groups to demonstrate in several cities, including Jakarta, Sept. 16 to oppose fuel price increases

Event

Various groups, including labor and student organizations, plan to hold demonstrations in several cities in Indonesia Sept. 16 to denounce increasing fuel prices and cost of living. While the start time of related gatherings is unclear, organizers have announced protests at the following locations:

• Jakarta: People's Representative Council, Jakarta City Hall, Arjuna Wijaya Horse Statue, Attorney General's Office, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform

• Depok, West Java Province: Margonda Raya Street

• Bekasi, West Java Province: Bekasi City Government Office

• Tangerang, Banten Province: Tangerang City Mayor's Office

Hundreds to thousands of people may participate in the demonstrations. Protests are also possible in other parts of Jakarta, including the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout, the National Monument, and the State Palace. Demonstrations are possible in other urban centers, including Bandung, Makassar, Medan, Semarang, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta. Possible gathering venues include government buildings, such as provincial, regency, and city councils and the offices of governors, regents, and mayors; fuel stations; university campuses; and prominent roadways.

Authorities will likely impose increased security measures, including deploying additional personnel and setting up security cordons, at demonstration sites and its surrounding areas Sept. 16. Officials will deploy more than 6,000 security personnel to monitor the protest in Jakarta. Localized traffic and business disruptions are probable during the action, especially if activists occupy nearby roads. Clashes may occur if officials forcibly disperse the demonstrators.

Advice

Avoid the protest sites Sept. 16 due to possible clashes. Plan for localized traffic and business disruptions. If violence occurs nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter at a safe nongovernmental building. Heed all official security and transport advisories.