9,505 Joint Security Personnel Deployed to Secure the 20 October Demonstration in Jakarta

A total of 9,505 joint security personnel were deployed to maintain order at the two-year anniversary rally for Prabowo and Gibran, which took place at various locations across Jakarta today, Tuesday (20 October).

The Metro Jaya Regional Police, together with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), also held a readiness briefing for public service and security operations in the Monas area, Central Jakarta, today.

The briefing was held to ensure personnel were ready to manage 26 public demonstrations and 26 other community events scheduled to take place within the jurisdiction of the Metro Jaya Regional Police.

Metro Jaya Police Chief, Commissioner General Dadang Hartanto, emphasised that the expression of opinions is a right of citizens that must be respected and facilitated. He stated that the presence of the TNI and the police amongst the public is a form of service to ensure that every citizen can exercise their rights and carry out their activities safely.

“Our security concept today, for both the TNI and the police, is to provide a service to citizens as a manifestation that our country is a democracy,” said Dadang, as quoted in a written statement.

The thousands of personnel deployed comprise 7,660 police officers, 1,540 TNI personnel, 135 personnel from the Jakarta Provincial Government, and 170 internal security personnel (Pamdal). Personnel will be stationed at various event locations, prioritising service, communication, dialogue, and a persuasive and humane approach.

Dadang also reminded all personnel to maintain professionalism, control their emotions, and prioritise communication and a humane approach when dealing with on-the-ground situations. All actions must be carried out in a measured, proportionate manner and in accordance with applicable procedures.

Meanwhile, Commander of the Jaya Military Command, Lieutenant General Deddy Suryadi, emphasised the importance of the presence of the TNI and the police in providing a sense of security and comfort to the public.

Deddy also asked all personnel to allow space for members of the public to voice their concerns in an orderly manner and to carry out their duties in accordance with applicable procedures.

“The presence of TNI and Polri personnel on the ground provides security, comfort and peace of mind for the residents of Jakarta,” said Deddy.

Furthermore, the Head of Public Relations for the Metro Jaya Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, stated that in addition to securing the event, his department had also organised traffic management to ensure the smooth flow of public mobility, with traffic control measures adapted to the situation.

He added that the public can monitor updates via the official accounts @poldametrojaya and @tmcpoldametro, and contact the Police helpline on 110 should they require assistance.

“Through the spirit of ‘The Police and the Community Working Together to Safeguard Public Spaces as a Means of Expressing Opinions’, we prioritise service delivery so that views can be expressed safely, orderly and peacefully, whilst also safeguarding the activities of the wider public as part of our ‘Serving Jakarta’ initiative,” he said.

Earlier, the Traffic Directorate of the Metro Jaya Regional Police had prepared alternative routes for road users to avoid traffic congestion caused by today’s demonstration on Tuesday.

The Director of Traffic for the Metro Jaya Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Firman Darmansyah, stated that heavy traffic is expected around the Monas area, along Sudirman-Thamrin Road, and near the DPR/MPR Building.

Consequently, the public and road users are also urged to avoid these three areas whilst the demonstration is taking place.

“In connection with the protest scheduled for Tuesday, 20 October 2026, from 10.00 WIE until it concludes, the public is advised to anticipate heavy traffic and traffic management measures around the Monas area, Sudirman-Thamrin Road, Sudirman-Thamrin, and the MPR/DPR RI Building in Central Jakarta,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

“Road users are advised to adjust their departure times, use alternative routes, and avoid these areas unless they have a specific reason to be there,” he added.