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Possible mass movement as court makes ruling on election dispute, says TNI
The Indonesian Military (TNI) says it has detected indications of a mass movement being organized after the reading of the Constitutional Courtâs ruling on a legal challenge to the presidential election results filed by the losing ticket, Prabowo Subianto-Hatta Rajasa, on Thursday
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he Indonesian Military (TNI) says it has detected indications of a mass movement being organized after the reading of the Constitutional Court's ruling on a legal challenge to the presidential election results filed by the losing ticket, Prabowo Subianto-Hatta Rajasa, on Thursday.
TNI spokesperson Maj. Gen. Fuad Basya said TNI Commander Gen. Moeldoko had told all military personnel to anticipate the mobilization of the masses in the capital after the ruling was announced.
'He has reminded us to pay close attention to information revealing the possibility of the mobilization of groups from various areas to Jakarta,' he said as quoted by kompas.com at a press conference at military headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta.
Fuad said there were indications that between 2,000 and 3,000 people from areas in provinces near Jakarta, such as Central Java and West Java, would come to the capital city for the reading of the court ruling.
He said the TNI had deployed personnel to a number of areas to prevent mass groups from entering Jakarta. 'Territorial intelligence officers have made efforts to prevent mass mobilization in Jakarta,' said Fuad.
However, he added that no signs of possible violent protests had been indicated despite the heightened tensions. 'We have secured all points so hopefully, no rioting will happen tomorrow,' said Fuad.
Security will be tighten in areas near the court at the time of the ruling announcement, with the Jakarta Police mobilizing 21,000 officers to secure the capital and prevent outbreaks of violence. As part of their security measures, they have readied water cannons.
Concerns about violent outbreaks and riots increased after the Prabowo-Hatta camp vowed to not acquiesce a ruling that was not in their favor. One of the plaintiff lawyers, Habiburokhman, said they 'were not responsible for any action taken by disappointed Prabowo supporters'. (dyl/ebf)
