Locations Affected: Indonesia
The inaugural ceremony of Indonesia’s new President, retired General Prabowo Subianto, is scheduled for 20 October at the Nusantara Building, Senayan Parliamentary Complex, in Jakarta. Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the son of outgoing President Joko Widodo, will also be sworn in as Vice President. General Prabowo was elected President after securing a majority of votes in the February election.
Security Measures for the Ceremony
- The Indonesian police and military deployed at least 100,000 personnel across Jakarta on 18 October, including snipers and anti-riot units, who will remain deployed until 23 October.
- For the security operations, the Indonesian National Army (TNI) formed 10 task forces as part of the VVIP Joint Integrated Security Command, specifically for securing the President, Vice President, and state guests, while the Indonesian National Police (Polri) formed eight task forces for the event.
- 2,000 military personnel conducted security drills at Jakarta’s National Monument complex with military light tactical vehicles.
- The TNI will deploy 24,200 personnel, including troops from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as part of 10 task forces responsible for specific roles such as surveillance, patrols, and VIP/VVIP security.
- Security perimeters have been established: Ring 01 has task forces assigned to secure VVIPs, such as the president, vice president, and state guests; Ring 02 covers the event’s venue, and Ring 03 encompasses areas outside and around the inauguration venue.
- The ceremony will be attended by 36 heads of state and government, including South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. The Indonesian Air Force will also deploy four F-16 jets to guard aircraft carrying foreign dignitaries.
Presidential Transition and Potential Impacts
The transition of the presidency from outgoing President Widodo to retired General Prabowo Subianto will be crucial. Prabowo has pledged to accelerate economic growth from the current five percent to eight percent, enhance energy and food security, and continue the transition of Indonesia’s capital from Jakarta to Nusantara. He is likely to maintain Indonesia’s long-standing foreign policy of non-alignment. Heightened security measures are expected in key areas such as the parliamentary building, the presidential palace, and neighbouring roads. Crowds are anticipated to gather on the roads during the ceremony. Additionally, protests by the opposition and demonstrators cannot be ruled out. Travel delays and restrictions are likely due to security measures and crowds. Organizations are advised to remain situationally aware and prepare necessary contingency plans.