Message for U.S. Citizens: May 1 Mass Demonstrations in Downtown Jakarta

The U.S. Embassy has been notified that large-scale demonstrations are scheduled to occur tomorrow, May 1, 2016, starting at approximately 8:00 a.m. and lasting until 5:00 p.m. and possibly later.  At this time, the following locations have been identified as locations where these protests will likely occur: vicinity around U.S. Embassy, Indosat, Monas Park (East Side), Horse Statue Roundabout, Hotel Indonesia Roundabout, State Palace, and the Manpower Building.

Indonesian police estimates crowds participating in these protests to collectively reach between 75,000 to 80,000 people.  As always, the Embassy advises U.S. citizens to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, and avoid all active demonstrations or similar gatherings.
The U.S. Embassy would like to remind all U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.  Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.  Specific safety concerns should be addressed to Indonesian law enforcement authorities who are responsible for the safety of all visitors to Indonesia.

Please note the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta and the Consulate General in Surabaya will be closed on May 5 and 6 for Indonesian holidays and on May 30 for the Memorial Day holiday.

For further information:

  • See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and IndonesiaCountry Specific Information.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Contact the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta (http://jakarta.usembassy.gov/us-service.html), located at 5 Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan, Jakarta, at +62-21 3435-9055/9054, 07:30 a.m. to 04:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The after-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is+62-21 3435 9000, then press 0 for the operator. The American Citizen Services Unit of the Embassy can also be reached by e-mail at jakartaacs@state.gov<mailto:jakartaacs@state.gov>.
  • The U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya (http://surabaya.usconsulate.gov/service.html) is located at Jl. Citra Raya Niaga No. 2, Surabaya, at +62 31-297-5300, 07:30 a.m. to 04:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The after-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +62 81-133-4183.  The American Citizen Services Unit of the Consulate General can also be reached by e-mail at SurabayaACS@state.gov.Call<mailto:SurabayaACS@state.gov.Call1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Note: The timestamp on this email message may not reflect the local time that this message was sent.