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akarta Police chief Untung S. Radjab said on Wednesday that his officers were ready to safeguard the Jakarta gubernatorial election amid racial and religious tensions and increased security against possible terrorist attacks.

In a statement read by his deputy Brig. Gen. Suhardi Alius, the police chief ordered his men to remain neutral, both in the lead up and the runoff on Sept. 20, when voters decide who will lead the capital forward: incumbent Governor Fauzi Bowo or Surakarta Mayor Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

He told his men to be braced for possible clashes between supporters of the two candidates and to take action against acts of vandalism.

A total of 16,605 officers, including 2,200 military personnel, will be deployed to safeguard the election. The police have already deployed 11,755 officers for a 100 day operation between Aug. 1 and Nov. 2. to maintain security prior to, during and after election day. The city police and the Jakarta Public Order Office (Satpol PP) have conducted joint patrols around the capital to monitor campaign violations.

During the first round, the police deployed 12,459 officers to watch over the election process, with 6,401 officers guarding 15,111 polling stations throughout the city and others on standby.

“The operation runs according to our procedure, which includes preemptive and preventive measures, intelligence activity and law enforcement to penalize law violators,” Suhardi said.

The campaign period for the runoff will begin on Sept. 14 and end on Sept. 16. Unlike the first round, the two candidates can now only hold major campaign events indoors.

Both campaign teams have yet to disclose their campaign locations.

“We have finished arranging the campaign schedule, but we are still waiting for Fauzi’s approval before publishing it,” said Geofedi Rauf of the Fauzi camp. Budi Purnomo Karjodihardjo, a Jokowi spokesman, said the camp was still working on Jokowi’s schedule.

Suhartono of the Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) said that from the report the commission received, Jokowi’s camp would likely rely on indoor campaigns while Fauzi’s would do the opposite and travel around the city greeting his supporters.

A public debate between candidates would be broadcast live on Jak TV on Sept. 14 and on Metro TV on Sept. 16. The election commission will facilitate the debate.

The capital has seen racial and religious tensions ahead of the runoff. Fauzi and his running mate, Nachrowi Ramli, both claim to be native Jakartans and to better represent the Betawi community. Meanwhile, Jokowi and his running mate, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama — a Christian of Chinese-descent — have been facing negative campaigning denigrating Basuki’s ethnic and religious background.

Both sides had vowed to avoid abusing SARA (tribal affiliations, religion, race and societal groups) issues in their campaigns, but religious and racial sentiments continue to surround the election.

Police ruled out a connection between the recent suspected terror incidents in Greater Jakarta and the election, but their anti-terror squad will play a part in securing the election from possible terrorist
attacks.

“Detachment 88 counterterrorism unit will stay alert and back up other units,” Suhardi said. (aml)