Indonesia strengthens forces to secure elections

5/8/2019 - 5:39:15 PM

Indonesia will deploy 450,000 military troops and police personnel to handle possible riots when the 2019 elections results are announced on May 22nd, according to Indonesian Military Commander Hadi Tjahjanto.

In a recent meeting with Jakarta parliament members, Hadi said provocations and the spread of false information on social media have been escalating, and may lead to demonstrations and attacks on the General Elections Commission (KPU) building.

Besides deploying troops across the country, the military will also prepare to ensure security at the announcement of the results of elections, he added.

Indonesian National Police Chief General Tito Karnavian said the deployment of police has been part of their tasks to assure elections security since the campaign began in September 2018 and will end on October 21st this year after the elected president is sworn in to the presidency.

According to Tito, police have deployed half of their total personnel to secure the election process.

As of May 7th, 70 percent of votes were counted. The latest results showed the incumbent President Joko Widodo has pocketed 56.27 percent of votes, higher than his rival Prabowo Subianto who has 43.73 percent so far./.

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