US Embassy Updates Security Alert in Light of Ongoing Protests in Jakarta
Jakarta. The United States Embassy in Indonesia has issued a security alert on Wednesday for its citizens in Jakarta in light of the street protests that began on Tuesday after the General Elections Commission, or KPU, announced the results of the election.
The results showed incumbent Joko "Jokowi" Widodo winning by almost 17 million votes over rival Prabowo Subianto.
Prabowo, however, has refused to concede defeat, claiming that the election was fraudulent. The former Army general released a video on early Tuesday morning as the KPU was announcing the election results.
He told his supporters not to give up and that if they were to protest, to do so peacefully and constitutionally. His advice was not heeded and the protests have carried on since Tuesday, now entering its third day.
"At multiple sites in central Jakarta, specifically near Tanah Abang and Jl. Wahid Hasyim in Menteng, clashes are taking place between police and protesters. The Embassy strongly advises US citizens to avoid these areas," the US Embassy said in a statement on Wednesday.
US citizens are also advised to "avoid areas where demonstrations or political rallies are occurring and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any large gathering."
The embassy also recommends US citizens to keep up to date with local news and remain on alert at all times, as well as enroll in its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive the latest security updates.
As of Thursday morning, there has been no indication that the protests will subside.
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