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Police gear up to secure Labor Day demonstrations
National Police spokesman Sr
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ational Police spokesman Sr. Comr. AgusRianto says officers are prepared to maintain security during planned Labor Day demonstrations.
'To secure the gatherings, all regional police chiefs have been instructed to deploy additional personnel as needed. The Jakarta Police, for instance, will deploy 18,000 officers to watch the protesters and manage traffic,' he said at National Police headquarters in Jakarta.
On Monday, National Police chief Gen. Sutarman and all regional police chiefs participated in a video conference to arrange security measures ahead of the public holiday known for protests by workers.
Agus said that according to the law, the labor unions were allowed to hold protests from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
The National Police did not give an estimate on the number of people who would participate in demonstrations this year. Last year, around 30,000 people in Greater Jakarta took to the streets on Labor Day.
Army chief of staff Gen. Budiman said all relevant military commanders had communicated with labor union leaders regarding planned rallies.
'Labor union leaders have presented their plans to the Army, so we will help them stay safe on Labor Day,' he said.
Budiman did not elaborate on what measures the Army would take to guarantee security.
Budiman said that the Army supported all workers and acknowledged Labor Day as a special time for them to celebrate their professions. He added that the Army hoped all workers who wanted to voice their concerns on Labor Day would be peaceful and avoid any provocation.
'We are all workers. As a soldier, I am also a worker just like all people. I am also convinced that the leaders of the unions will hold peaceful rallies,' he said. (gda)
