Indonesia: Police reinforcements deployed to Jakarta as election hearing begins June 14

Event

Officials have deployed an additional 32,000 police personnel to Jakarta as of Thursday, June 13, ahead of an election-related hearing at the Constitutional Court, set to begin on Friday, June 14. The Constitutional Court is scheduled to hold hearings related to presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto's legal challenge to overturn the April 17 election results. Subianto alleges electoral fraud facilitated the victory of incumbent President Joko Widodo. The Constitutional Court is expected to announce its verdict on Friday, June 28. 

Tensions remain high across Indonesia in the wake of the election. While Subianto called on supporters to refrain from holding rallies amid the court proceedings, demonstrations are possible across Jakarta over the coming days and weeks. Clashes between protesters and security forces are possible. Associated political rallies may also take place in other cities throughout the country.

Context

Violent protests broke out in Jakarta on May 21-22 after the General Election Commission (KPU) announced that President Widodo won the April 17 elections after securing 55.5 percent of the vote. Opposing candidate Prabowo Subianto received 44.5 percent but has alleged there was widespread voter fraud and cheating. At least six people were killed and some 300 people were wounded during the protests. Security officials said that at least 257 people had been arrested and investigations are ongoing into the organizers of the protests.

Advice

Individuals in Jakarta and across Indonesia are advised to anticipate heightened security measures and transportation and telecommunications disruptions, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, avoid all protests and demonstrations, and refrain from discussing politics in public or on social media.