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Security measures prepared to prevent expulsion of Jokowi in upcoming rallies
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All ready -- National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian (front, center) and Indonesian Military commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo (front, right) speak to journalists after attending a video conference at the headquarters of the National Police in Jakarta on Nov. 21. (JP/Callistasia Anggun Wijaya)
T
he National Police have prepared anticipatory measures to secure two anti-government rallies scheduled for Nov. 25 and Dec. 2, during which millions of people will reportedly take to the streets across Jakarta to demand the resignation of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, a high-ranking officer said on Monday.
National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said the police had obtained information that protesters might occupy the compound of the House of Representatives during the Nov. 25 rally.
“There will be a protest at the House complex on Nov. 25. There is speculation that several groups of protesters will enter the House compound and occupy it. According to existing rules, this is an unlawful action,” he said.
He was speaking after a video conference at the headquarters of the National Police in Jakarta on Monday. Indonesian Military commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo attended the event.
Tito said the police, supported by military personnel, would beef up security in areas around the House complex during the Nov. 25 rally.
The police also claim that they will act firmly against any protesters who violate the law.
Tito said participants in the Dec. 2 rally, which will be organized by the National Movement to Save the Indonesian Ulema Council’s Edicts (GNPF-MUI), would hold Friday prayers on two main roads in Central Jakarta, starting from Jl. MH Thamrin to Jl. Jend. Sudirman.
GNPF-MUI organized a mass rally on Nov. 4 to protest Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama’s alleged blasphemy. Tito said, however, that he believed the planned Dec. 2 rally would be unrelated to Ahok’s alleged blasphemy because authorities have taken legal measures in the case. (ebf)
