Jakarta Deputy Governor Asks Police Not to Be Provoked by Protesters

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria asked the police not to take repressive actions against protesters rejecting the Omnibus Law on Job Creation today, October 13, 2020. The Gerindra politician hoped the police would remain alert and persuasive in securing the people during the rally.

“We hope that the authorities will not be provoked because, in every protest, there are usually people who infiltrate the rally [to incite riot],” said Riza at the City Hall today. “We appreciate officers who can be patient, calm, and disciplined, as well as not getting provoked by the protesters.”

The 212 Alumni Brotherhood (PA 212), GNPF Ulama, the Islamic Front Defenders (FPI), and the HRS Center took to the street today to protest the Job Creation Omnibus Law dubbed the '1310 Act' in front of Merdeka Palace. Jakarta Police Chief Insp. Gen. Nana Sudjana said his institution had been informed about the rally that would be attended by 1,000 people.

Riza also appealed to the protesters to not commit anarchist actions considering in the previous demonstration on Thursday, October 8, several public facilities were destroyed and caused losses up to tens of billions of rupiah.

“This is very detrimental to all of us, especially people using public transportation," Riza underlined, adding that people were allowed to voice their aspirations through rallies as regulated in the law or even file a judicial review.

Read: MRT Jakarta Closes 7 Stations as PA 212 Stages Protest

IMAM HAMDI