Indonesia: Students to demonstrate in several cities nationwide, including Jakarta, April 11 /update 1

Event

Student groups intend to demonstrate in several cities nationwide, including Jakarta, April 11. The purpose of the action is to oppose alleged government plans to postpone the 2024 presidential elections and allow President Joko Widodo to serve a third presidential term; the constitution currently allows a person to serve a maximum of two presidential terms. Organizers have moved the protest site in Jakarta from the State Palace to the House of Representatives; the rally will start from 10:00. Additional demonstrations will also occur in other cities like Bandung, Makassar, Medan, Pekanbaru, and Semarang. Hundreds to thousands of people will likely participate in each rally, especially in urban centers.

Authorities will likely impose increased security measures, including deploying additional personnel and setting up security cordons, at the protest sites and surrounding areas April 11. Localized traffic and business disruptions are likely during the action, especially if the protesters occupy nearby roads. Clashes are possible if authorities forcibly disperse the demonstrators; security personnel prevented the protesters from approaching the State Palace during a related rally March 28.

Advice

Avoid protest sites April 11 due to possible clashes. Plan for localized traffic and business disruptions. If violence occurs nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter at a safe non-government building. Heed all official security and transport advisories.