Indonesia: Student groups plan to demonstrate in Jakarta and Padang March 30

Event

Student groups, including the Student Executive Board of the University of Indonesia (BEM UI), have called for demonstrations in Jakarta and Padang March 30. The purpose of the action is to denounce a job creation law recently passed in parliament March 21. Participants will gather at the House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta and West Sumatra Regional People's Representative Council building in Padang. Additional rallies are possible in other cities like Batam, Makassar, Serang, and Surabaya; likely action sites include government buildings like governor offices and provincial, regency, or city councils, as well as prominent roadways and monuments. Hundreds to thousands of people could attend the protests. Organizers did not specify a start time for the demonstrations.

Authorities will likely enact heightened security measures, including roadblocks and cordons, near the protest sites March 30. Localized transport and business disruptions are possible, particularly if demonstrators occupy nearby roads. While the events will likely pass peacefully, clashes may occur if police forcibly disperse the gathering or if protesters attempt to break through security cordons.

Advice

Avoid the protest sites and its surrounding areas March 30 due to possible clashes. Plan for possible localized transport and business disruptions. If any violence erupts nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter at a safe nongovernmental building. Heed all official traffic and security advisories.