Jakarta Police Keep MK Protesters Behind Third Ring

Jakarta, Aug 21 (Antara) - Jakarta Police are keeping those protesting the election dispute hearing (PHPU) behind the the third ring, some 300 to 1,000 meters from the Constitutional Court (MK). "The protesters are only allowed to demonstrate at the third ring around the Statue of the Horse, Embassy of the United States, Pertamina and Harmony," said Jakarta Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Rikwanto on Thursday. Rikwanto noted that those allowed to enter the first and second ring must have identification from the Constitutional Court to attend the court session. Rikwanto remarked that about 3,500 personnel have been deployed to secure the area around the Constitutional Court. Overall, some 29,000 officers will secure the MK during the announcement of the verdict, including 2,100 members of the Mobile Brigade. Police also diverted traffic near the MK in Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat beginning Thursday morning.