12 Feb 2024 | 12:17 PM UTC
Indonesia: Protests, increased security measures certain nationwide ahead of, during, and after Feb. 14 general elections /update 1
Protests, increased security measures certain nationwide in Indonesia ahead of, during, and after Feb. 14 general elections.
Increased security measures, protests, demonstrations, and associated disruptions are certain to occur nationwide ahead of, during and after the Feb. 14 general elections. The government will deploy nearly 500,000 security personnel nationwide to facilitate election-related activities. Officials have cautioned about an increased terrorism risk during the election period and have labeled several regions, including Aceh, Bali, Central Java, East Java, Maluku, North Sulawesi, North Sumatra, Papua, Southeast Sulawesi, West Kalimantan, as particularly vulnerable.
Although the campaigning period has ended, related protests and demonstrations are likely to continue in the lead-up to and after the Feb. 14 election; this includes protests in Jakarta by students on Feb. 12 to denounce alleged abuses of power by President Joko Widodo in elections. This comes after similar protests occurred on Feb. 6, 7 and 9. Previous gatherings have drawn hundreds of participants.
Although organizers did not immediately specify further details concerning the event start time and venues, potential gathering sites include the presidential palace and other prominent government buildings, political party offices, sports stadiums, public squares, and thoroughfares. Well-attended gatherings will probably draw tens of thousands of participants.
Officials will almost certainly monitor any such gatherings and may use force, including tear gas, to disperse overly unruly crowds. Authorities may implement enhanced security restrictions, including road closures, depending on operational needs. While most public events will likely pass off peacefully, clashes between police and activists, as well as between opposing rival groups, cannot be ruled out. Isolated security incidents, including small-scale explosions, are possible; such occurrences are more likely to transpire in restive regions such as Aceh, East Java, Maluku, Papua, and Southeast Sulawesi. Associated localized transport and business disruptions are highly likely.
Exercise increased caution if operating in Indonesia through at least mid-February. Avoid all demonstrations as a standard precaution. Prepare for increased security measures such as road diversions around political party offices, rallies, and polling stations through at least Feb. 14; allow additional travel time to reach destinations. If unruly gatherings materialize, immediately leave the area and seek shelter at a safe, nongovernmental building. Confirm all business appointments and transport reservations in advance. Monitor local media for election-related event announcements. Maintain contact with diplomatic missions. Heed all official transport and security advisories.
On Feb. 14, Indonesia will vote for a new president as President Joko Widodo completes his two-term limit. The polls will also determine the composition of the national assembly, regional governors, and legislative bodies, engaging over 200 million eligible Indonesians. With three presidential candidates running, the likelihood of a runoff in June increases if none secures more than 50 percent in the initial round.
