Using PPE, Police Ready To Disperse Demonstrators Of Afghan Citizens In Kebon Sirih

A number of police wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) while securing a demonstration for Afghan citizens in front of the UNHCR office in Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta. Photo: (Rizky Sulistio/ VOI)

JAKARTA - As many as 20 police officers in full PPE are preparing to disperse hundreds of Afghan demonstrators on Jalan Kebon Sirih, in front of the UNHCR office, Menteng.

Police officers in full PPE stand in front of Raisa's car belonging to the Central Jakarta Metro Police and motorized Brimob troops.

The joint forces of the TNI, Polri and Satpol PP gave the demonstrators 15 minutes to disperse. Several representatives of the Afghan demonstrators were seen negotiating with the Dandim 0501 JP BS Colonel Inf. Luqman Arief.

Meanwhile, rows of demonstrators from Afghanistan consisting of women and children were still blocking access to the front of the UNHCR office. They refused to disband.

"The demonstrators are expected to disperse and do not gather together considering the situation is still the COVID-19 pandemic," said a police officer at the location, Tuesday, August 24.

Until now, the negotiation process is still ongoing between Afghan officials and demonstrators demanding their citizenship rights. Officials have not yet provided an official statement regarding this demonstration.