Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo’s inauguration
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JAKARTA - The Indonesian police and military started deploying at least 100,000 personnel across the capital Jakarta on Oct 18, officials said, as the country prepares for the inauguration of President-elect Prabowo Subianto this weekend.
Former general Prabowo will be sworn in as Indonesia’s president on Oct 20, with Vice-President-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the son of outgoing President Joko Widodo, also taking office.
The roughly 100,000 personnel in Jakarta will include snipers and anti-riot units, and will stay in place until Oct 23, said military chief Agus Subiyanto.
During previous important events in Jakarta, security personnel have been placed in key areas such as the parliamentary building where the inauguration will take place, the presidential palace and Jakarta’s main roads.
On Oct 18, at least 2,000 military personnel were taking part in security drills at Jakarta’s National Monument complex, with dozens of military light tactical vehicles on the ground.
“We need to be alert about possible threats before, during and after the inauguration,” said General Agus.
The security forces are expected to escort 36 state leaders who will attend the inauguration, Gen Agus said, without giving further details.
The Indonesian air force will also deploy four F-16 jets to guard aircraft carrying foreign dignitaries attending the inauguration, state news agency Antara reported.
Hundreds of people are expected to gather in Jakarta’s streets to welcome Mr Prabowo as the new president and give a farewell to Mr Joko, said police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo. REUTERS
