18 Mar 2024 | 06:15 AM UTC
Indonesia: Increased security measures and protests likely to intensify nationwide ahead of release of final general election results March 20 /update 4
Protests, security measures likely to intensify in Indonesia ahead of final release of general election results March 20. Use caution.
Increased security measures, protests, and associated disruptions are likely to intensify nationwide ahead of the announcement of the general election results March 20. Activists from various organizations are planning to stage demonstrations in Jakarta March 18-20; announced rallies are scheduled at the Arjuna Wijaya Horse Statue March 18, the House of Representatives March 19, and the General Elections Commission March 20. Protesters are making several demands, particularly for the House of Representatives to call for a parliamentary inquiry into alleged election fraud. Hundreds to thousands of people could join each gathering.
Further related protests are also likely to occur at short notice through at least March 20. Previous similar demonstrations have occurred at the Presidential Palace, regional House of Representatives, and regional General Elections Commission offices. Other potential gathering sites include prominent government buildings, political party offices, sports stadiums, public squares, and thoroughfares. Well-attended gatherings, particularly in Jakarta, will probably draw thousands of participants. Heightened security measures, including deployment of security personnel and interim security barricades and/or traffic diversions, will likely continue, especially in Jakarta and around government buildings. The tightest security is likely around the House of Representatives and the General Elections Commission in Jakarta. While most public events will probably pass off peacefully, clashes between police and activists, as well as between opposing rival groups, cannot be ruled out. Associated localized transport and business disruptions are likely during these events.
Isolated security incidents, such as small-scale explosions and violence, are possible until at least the release of the official results. Authorities reported instances of of isolated scuffles between supporters of rival legislative candidates in Puncak Jaya Regency, Central Papua, Feb. 14, causing injuries to at least 62 residents. Such occurrences are more likely to transpire in restive regions such as Aceh, East Java, Maluku, Papua, and Southeast Sulawesi.
Exercise increased caution if operating in Indonesia through at least mid-March. Avoid all demonstrations as a standard precaution. Prepare for increased security measures such as road diversions around political party offices and rallies in the coming weeks; 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 protests and road conditions, as organizers may not announce gathering locations in advance. Maintain contact with diplomatic missions. Heed all official transport and security advisories.
On Feb. 14, over 200 million eligible Indonesians voted for a new president, as well as members of the national assembly, regional governors, and legislative bodies. A preliminary count has put frontrunner Prabowo Subianto as the likely winner of the 2024 Presidential Election, garnering approximately 60 percent of votes, which puts him ahead of rivals Anies Baswedan (approximately 25 percent) and Ganjar Pranowo (approximately 16 percent) - in past elections, preliminary count has served as a reliable indicator of the final results, which the General Elections Commission (KPU) is expected to release by March 20.
