Indonesia: Increased security ahead of regional elections June 27

Event

On Monday, June 25, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo signed a decree declaring a national holiday during the upcoming regional elections. Voting will take place on Wednesday, June 27, with over 157 million citizens selecting provincial, regional, and city leaders. Business and administrative disruptions are possible as people go to the polls.

Authorities have also announced that increased security measures will be put in place around polling stations during the election. Over 270,000 security personnel will be deployed throughout the country. Police officials announced on Saturday, June 23, that a terrorist plot to attack polling stations was foiled in West Java province. Officers killed two suspected terrorists and arrested a third in the town of Depok.

Context

Indonesia has been on high alert for months due to the extant terrorist threat. Islamic State (IS)-inspired groups and lone-wolf assailants have carried out a series of mostly low-level attacks over the past few years. There are fears that such entities could step up attacks following the return of hundreds of Indonesians who had gone to Syria to fight with IS, following the group's recent territorial losses in the region.

Advice

Individuals in Indonesia are advised to remain vigilant, report all suspicious objects and behavior to the authorities, and anticipate a heightened security presence in urban areas.

According to various Western intelligence security assessments, the threat of terrorism poses a significant security risk to individuals in Indonesia. Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and intent to carry out such attacks throughout the country. Past attacks have included suicide bombings and shootings targeting public and crowded places.