TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Police have deployed at least 820 combined personnel to secure a protest against the 12-percent VAT hike at the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta. They will be stationed at several points around the Horse Statue Roundabout near Monas and in front of the Presidential Palace.

The personnel include members of the Jakarta Metro Police, Central Jakarta Metro Police, the Indonesian Military (TNI), the Jakarta Regional Government and related agencies.

Security measures are also in place to prevent the protesters from entering the Presidential Palace compound.

"To secure the protest while also handling the submission of a petition from citizens against the 12 percent VAT increase at the Presidential Palace and surrounding areas, we are deploying a total of 820 personnel," Central Jakarta Police Chief Sr. Comr. Susatyo Purnomo Condro said in Jakarta on Thursday, December 19.

Police will focus on security around the Presidential Palace with 108 personnel, the southwest corner of Monas with 32 personnel, and around Medan Merdeka Barat and surrounding areas. Traffic closures or diversions near the Horse Statue Roundabout and other locations will be situational.

Susatyo said that traffic management will be implemented based on developments on the ground. He reminded all personnel involved in security to always act persuasively, avoid provocation, prioritize negotiation, provide humane service, and ensure safety and security.

He also appealed to field coordinators and speakers to express their views politely and not incite the crowd. "Protest peacefully, do not impose your will, do not be anarchistic, and do not damage public facilities. Respect and honor other road users passing through the Horse Statue Roundabout and other locations," he stated.

Susatyo noted that no personnel involved in security would be carrying weapons and that they would respect the protesters who wish to voice their opinions.

The Indonesian government has officially set the VAT rate increase to 12 percent from January 1, 2025. Speaking at a press conference on the Economic Policy Package in Jakarta on Monday, December 16, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the decision was in line with Law No. 7 of 2021 on the Harmonization of Tax Regulations (HPP).

However, the government will continue to provide VAT exemptions for essential goods and services. Airlangga mentioned that the government would exempt VAT on some basic necessities and important goods.

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