Indonesia: Protests plan to gather outside the customs offices in Riau and Riau Islands provinces Feb. 1

Event

Protesters plan to gather outside the customs offices in multiple cities and regencies in Riau and Riau Islands provinces Feb. 1. The action is to demand action against an official, who had allegedly shot and killed a businessperson in Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau, Jan. 15. The start time of the protests is unclear. Organizers claim over a thousand people will participate in the demonstrations, including one that will occur outside the Customs Department in Karimun, Riau Islands. Other possible gathering sites include the offices in Riau's Pekanbaru and Riau Islands' Batam and Dumai.

Authorities will highly likely increase security at the Customs Department in Karimun and other possible gathering sites in Riau and Riau Islands provinces. Localized traffic and business disruptions will probably occur, especially with high turnout. Clashes are possible during any demonstrations. Mass arrests may occur if security forces consider the protests to violate coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions.

Advice

Avoid any protest as a precaution. Plan for localized traffic and business disruptions. If violence occurs nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter in a safe, non-government building. Heed all official security and transport advisories.