Indonesia steps up security in Jakarta amid forthcoming demonstrations
The Indonesian police said on November 24 that it will deploy 8,700 personnel to monitor massive demonstrations scheduled for November 25 and December 2 in Jakarta.
Demonstration in Jarkarta on November 14 demanding resignation of the capital's Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama on alleged blasphemy (Photo: The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta (VNA) – The Indonesian police said on November 24 that itwill deploy 8,700 personnel to monitor massive demonstrations scheduled forNovember 25 and December 2 in Jakarta.
There will be 50 companies of police supplied by 21 provinces, making a totalof 87 companies of police to be deployed in the capital city for the upcomingdemonstrations, said Commander of the National Police Brigade Murad Ismail,adding that every group comprised of 100 personnel.
Policemen from regions will be tasked to guard 39 locations in West, East andNorth Jakarta while the others will be charged to guard at the Parliamentbuilding and the Presidential Palace, according to Murad.
Police who monitor the upcoming demonstrations will not be armed, he added.
The same day, Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo called for calm amid escalatingreligious tension as helicopters dropped police leaflets over the capital,warning residents of risks of harsh punishment if new rallies led by Islamicgroups turn violent.
The Muslim hardliners also vowed to hold more demonstrations to call for theouster of Christian governor of Jakarta Basuki Tjahaja Purhama, who was accusedof defaming the Koran. The group has planned to stage Friday prayers at twoJakarta’s main roads located in business districts of Sudirman and Thamrin aspart of their demonstrations
Previously, more tha𓆏n 100,000 Muslim hardliners attended a massive protest inJakarta on November 4 to demand the resignation of Purhama. One person waskilled and tens of others, including policemen, were injured in thedemonstration.-VNA
Tens of thousands of devout Muslims in Indonesia marched on November 4 to the Presidential Palace in Jakarta to demand the resignation of Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama
Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo has said he was determined to prevent the development of radicalism following a report that Islamic extremists were planning protests to destabilise his government.
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Demonstration in Jarkarta on November 14 demanding resignation of the capital's Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama on alleged blasphemy (Photo: The Jakarta Post) 
