Indonesia: Protests over energy company policies planned in Anambas Islands Regency and Jakarta Sept. 18

Activists from the Anambas Menggugat Alliance (ALAM) will protest outside the PT Medco Energi International offices at Matak Base in Anambas Islands Regency and along Jalan Jenderal Sudirman in Jakarta Sept. 18. The purpose of the action is to pressure energy firms operating in the Anambas Islands Regency to increase community engagement, as well as allow the resumption of commercial passenger flights at the Matak Airport (MKW). Several hundred participants will likely gather from late morning through late afternoon in Jakarta, while organizers claim a few thousand people will march from Payalaman Village Football Field to the rally site in Anambas Islands Regency. Additional related protests are possible in the coming days.

A heightened security presence and traffic curbs are likely around the protest sites. Localized transport disruptions are probable, especially if attendees block or march on roadways. Disruptions may affect MWK, which activists have threatened to block if firms fail to meet their demands. Minor clashes are possible, mainly if demonstrators attempt to breach any security barriers.