Jakarta Police Pledge Humane Crowd Control for Wednesday Protests
Indonesia’s police chief said officers would use a humane, preventive approach during demonstrations planned across Jakarta on Wednesday. The University of…
JAKARTA — Indonesia protests planned across the capital on Wednesday prompted police to pledge humane crowd control, a commitment with direct implications for demonstrators and people moving through Jakarta. The University of Indonesia Student Executive Board planned to gather at the HI Roundabout at around 2 p.m. local time.
Police said they would prioritize prevention, public communication and traffic management while respecting citizens’ right to express their views. They urged demonstrators to avoid violence.
“We continue to prioritize a humane approach. Our policing measures will remain preventive and preemptive,” Indonesian National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto said at police headquarters in Jakarta, according to state news agency ANTARA.
The planned gathering was among demonstrations that BEM UI and community groups were reportedly preparing at several locations across the capital. Police said their approach would combine preparations before protests with security measures during them.
The pledge matters beyond the protest sites. Police traffic management and patrols could affect public activities as demonstrations take place, while officers’ approach may shape how safely people can exercise their right to assemble. The force said it intended to minimize disruption without treating public expression itself as a security threat.
Indonesia protests and the police prevention plan
Polri Public Relations Division Head Inspector General Eddizon Isir said officers would use communication and collaboration with communities as part of their public-service role. He cited Law No. 9 of 1998, which protects freedom of expression.
“Polri respects every citizen’s right to express their opinions in public. As stipulated in Law No. 9 of 1998, freedom of expression is a right that must be respected and protected,” Isir said.
He described preemptive measures as including early detection, warnings and engagement with different parts of society to anticipate security risks. Police also aim to encourage people to understand the responsibilities that accompany freedom of expression and to verify information before sharing it.
That approach places emphasis on contact before enforcement. Isir said police would prioritize preventive and preemptive action, with proportionate law enforcement used when necessary. Officers were prepared to provide security, protection and assistance to demonstrators and other members of the public.
Police also planned to coordinate with protest organizers, conduct patrols and manage traffic. Those measures were intended to help demonstrations proceed peacefully while limiting interference with public activity.
The planned protest at the HI Roundabout was set for around 2 p.m. local time.
Source: chronicleonline.com
