Indonesia: Ongoing demonstration reported in Jakarta October 20 /update 5

Event

Thousands of people have reportedly gathered outside the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, October 20, to denounce the omnibus labor law. Reports state that one group of student protesters are burning tires in the vicinity of the Arjuna Wiwaha Horse Statue in central Jakarta, with tire burnings also being reported outside the Sapta Pesona Building, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, and on Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat towards Thamrin.

Demonstrations are expected to take place in several locations nationwide on Tuesday, October 20, as part of ongoing protests against the omnibus labor law. Thousands are expected to gather in Surabaya (East Java), and Bekasi (West Java), among other locations. Reports indicate that thousands of security personnel have been deployed to oversee demonstrations in Surabaya and protect key sites. 

The Jakarta Labor Movement (GBJ) announced that it intended to hold a week-long demonstration against the Omnibus Law on Job Creation from Thursday, October 15 to Thursday, October 22. The demonstration is to center around the Merdeka presidential palace, central Jakarta, and take place daily between 08:00 and 16:00 (local time). Police have stated that they may close off areas close to the palace to traffic should protests grow.

A heightened security presence and associated disruptions to transportation and business are to be expected in the vicinity of protest sites. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

The omnibus bill was passed into law on October 5 after the government pressed for labor reforms to support the economy, but opponents believe the bill will undermine labor rights in Indonesia and weaken environmental protections in favor of foreign investment.

Advice

Those in Indonesia are advised to monitor the situation, avoid demonstrations and political gatherings, and heed any instructions issued by local authorities