Indonesia: Political rallies planned in Jakarta May 21-22 /update 3

Event

Members of the Konsolidasi Eksponen 98 activist group are planning to gather outside of the General Elections Commission (KPU) offices in Jakarta on Tuesday, May 21, and Wednesday, May 22, ahead of the released of the results of the April 17 general elections. According to the group, 5000 people will participate in the rallies, which are being held to “provide support to the KPU” and to prevent the building from being occupied by supporters of Prabowo Subianto. Associated demonstrations by rival political supporters are possible in the coming days. 

Indonesian authorities have already increased security measures in Jakarta in preparation for the announcement of the election results on Wednesday, including the deployment of additional security personnel. Frequent protests have been held in Jakarta in recent weeks, particularly near the electoral commission on Jalan Imam Bonjol in the Menteng neighborhood. Security officials warned of a heightened threat of a terrorist attack following the arrest of members of a suspected terror cell. Heightened security measures are expected in Jakarta, particularly Menteng, in the coming days, including deployments of security forces, road closures, security cordons and other barriers, and telecommunication disruptions. Significant traffic disruptions are also anticipated around all demonstration sites.

Context

Incumbent President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is expected to win though opposing candidate Prabowo Subianto has rejected the preliminary results and claimed fraud.

Advice

Individuals in Jakarta are advised to anticipate heightened security measures, protests, and transportation and telecommunication disruptions, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, avoid all public demonstrations due to the threat of terrorism, and refrain from discussing politics in public or on social media.