Indonesia braces itself for social unrest amid economic downturn.

The Indonesian government is bracing itself for social unrest ahead of the Ramadan fasting month amid the economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has hit purchasing power and put many people out of work.

The Executive Office of the President held an online meeting with the National Police's Security Intelligence Agency (Baintelkam) on Wednesday (April 15) to discuss various economic measures and prepare for an increase in crimes and security threats.

The government is making preparations to ensure that the increase in unemployment "will not result in social and security conflicts", the Office's undersecretary for politics, law, defence and human rights, Jaleswari Pramodhawardani, said in a statement on Thursday (April 16).

Baintelkam state security director Umar Effendi said that based on the police's internal studies, there was a risk of an increase in crime that could disrupt public order and security.

"There will always be potential for riots and crimes, especially at a time like this. Therefore, we (the police) are coordinating efforts down to local police forces to conduct supervision and (public) education," he said in the statement.

Brigadier-General Umar said the police will stand on the front line to keep the public safe.

"We would use a preventive and persuasive approach for security, stability and public order. We would also help the government by escorting the distribution of social aid for impacted residents," Brig-Gen Umar added.

Economists have warned that...