Reza M., Jakarta – The Metro Jaya regional police Traffic Management Center (TMC) is warning road users of the possibility of traffic jams as a result of protest actions that will colour Jakarta on Wednesday February 27. According to the TMC there will be no less than 13 demonstrations today, with the first starting at 9.30am.
The Hotel Indonesia roundabout in Central Jakarta, which is often used as a staging point for rallies, will be one of the targets. Starting at 11am, around 100 people from the People’s Movement for a New Indonesia (GRUIB) will be demanding that the government bring down the price of basic commodities (sembako). After giving speeches, the protesters will head off for the Horse Statue at the intersection of Jl. Thamrin and Medan Merdeka.
Those passing by the House of Representatives Building in Senayan, Central Jakarta between 10am and 1pm are being asked top prepare for traffic jams because of a protest by the Kolaka Youth and Student Action Committee (KAMPK) and around 200 people from the Social Movement to Safeguard the People’s Money (GEMPUR).
On Jl. Thamrin in at 10am, the Poor Peoples Alliance (ARM) will be holding a protest action in front of the Japanese Embassy. They will be demanding that the Japanese government reassess assistance to Indonesia.
Bilangan Jatibaru in Central Jakarta will be enlivened by a convoy of Metro Mini busses. Around 100 public transport employees plying the S76 route between Kampung Rambutan and Blok M and the S610 route between Blok M and Pondok Labu will hold a protest at the Jakarta regional Transport and Communications office at 10am.
Still in Central Jakarta, a demonstration will take place in front of the Salemba National University. Protesters from the Legal Aid Institute for Health (LBH Kesehatan) and the Fraternity of Victims of the Healthcare System (PKSK) will be calling on the Cipto Mangukusumo Hospital stop creating difficulties for poor patients.
From 9.30am onwards, the CSW intersection in South Jakarta will also be a potential traffic congestion spot. Around 100 students from the Bima Jakarta Student Union (KMBJ) will be giving speeches in front of the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) after which they will then move off to demonstrate the National Education Department on Jl. Sudirman and at the offices of the United Development Party’s central leadership board.
A second wave of protesters will arrive at the AGO at 12.30pm. This time they will be from the Try the Bank Indonesia Liquidity Support Corrupters Peoples Movement (GRAK-BLBI).
Jl. Jatinegara in East Jakarta will also not escape protests. Teaching staff from the Indonesian Assistant Teachers Communication Forum (FKGBI) will be demonstrating at the Jakarta provincial education office at 1pm.
[Translated by James Balowski.]
