22 Oct 2020 | 02:23 AM UTC
Indonesia: Protest against Omnibus bill planned in Jakarta on October 22
Demonstrators to gather against Omnibus bill in Jakarta on October 22; avoid all protests as a precaution
Event
Activists have called for a demonstration in Jakarta on Thursday, October 22, to protest against the controversial 'Omnibus' bill. Participants will reportedly gather around the Istana Merdeka (Merdeka Palace) from 12:00 (local time). The event is likely to be well attended. Reports indicate that security personnel have been deployed to the area and enacted several road closures.
Further demonstrations are possible across the country in the near term. A heightened security presence and localized disruptions are possible in the vicinity of all demonstrations.
Context
The Omnibus bill was passed into law on Monday, October 5, and opponents believe the bill will undermine labor rights in Indonesia and weaken environmental protections in favor of big business.
Advice
Those in Jakarta are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations and political gatherings, and heed any instructions issued by local authorities.