http://thejakartaglobe.com/home/10000-jakarta-police-officers-to-secure-thursdays-rally/354667
January 25, 2010 10,000 Jakarta Police Officers To Secure Thursday's Rally Jakarta Police will roll out ten thousand officers and a water cannon to keep the peace during a planned demonstration on Thursday. The protest rally to mark President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's first 100 days in office is expected to be large, but police have not released any prediction as to how many people will turn out. "We will have a water cannon ready but it is situational. We will prepare at least 10,000 officers to guard the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, the State Palace and the House of Representatives building during the rally," said Jakarta Police spokesman Boy Rafli Amar on Monday. Boy said police are strategizing to prevent violence. He said they had not been told which organizations would take part in the demonstrations. Rallies are expected in locations around the country on Thursday. In Palembang, South Sumatra, however, activists will start protesting a day earlier. They have been spreading invitations via mobile phone to rally on Wednesday and Thursday. One of the messages focuses on the Rp 6.7 trillion ($710 million) bailout of Bank Century, which rumors have linked to corruption. "The Century scandal is a sign of Indonesia's death. Save the country with Islam, replace the tyranny and the system. Come and join students' performance art on Wednesday from 8 am to 12 am.," said the SMS message. Zaki Pawas [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
