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Police ready for any poll result violence
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Taking no chances: A terror suspect arrives at the National Police headquarters under tight security in Jakarta on Friday. Between January and April, 68 terror suspects linked with the Jamaah Ansharut Daulah were arrested. (JP/Seto Wardhana)
T
he government is anticipating potential trouble ahead of the wrap-up of the official vote tally on May 22, amid reports that supporters of losing presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto are planning to take to the streets to challenge the election result.
Security officials fear street protests may descend into violence after the discovery of an apparent plot by a local terrorist cell linked to the Islamic State (IS) movement to exploit the situation with an attack, even though analysts have cast doubt on such a scenario materializing.
The National Police have advised the public not to join the planned rally — set to be held at the General Elections Commission (KPU) headquarters in Jakarta — for security reasons, including the possible terrorist attack.
At least 68 terror suspects have been arrested by the police’s antiterrorist squad Densus 88 since January. Among these, a total of 29 suspects were arrested this month alone on suspicion of plotting terror attacks under the cover of rallies on May 22.
National Police spokesperson Insp. Gen. M. Iqbal said the suspects, who were affiliated with homegrown pro-IS Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), planned to attack officers and protesters with firearms and bombs.
“The group could exploit the opportunity of a celebration of democracy,” Iqbal said on Friday, “Therefore, the National Police […] call on people not to take to the streets on May 22 since it will be dangerous.”
The 29 suspects were arrested in separate raids in different cities, including Jakarta; Bekasi and Karawang in West Java; Sragen and Sukoharjo in Central Java, as well as Madiun in East Java. The police also seized explosives during the raids. Nine suspects are believed to be active members of JAD who underwent paramilitary training in Indonesia and abroad, and two suspects allegedly have a history of joining IS in Syria and of being trained in making smoke bombs in Aleppo.
