Worldview Security Report – May 22, 2019 – Constellis

Worldview Security Report – May 22, 2019

22-May-19

ASIA

Indonesia (Security threat level – 4) : On 22 May 2019, several thousand demonstrators gathered in downtown Jakarta to protest against the official election results, which named incumbent President Joko Widodo the winner over opposition candidate Prabowo Subianto. The demonstration was initially peaceful until a group of protesters set fire to several vehicles and a police dormitory, and threw fireworks and other objects at riot police officers, who responded by firing tear gas. At least six people were killed and more than 200 others were injured in the clashes. At least 20 people have been arrested for their role in the violence. In response to the unrest, the government has partially blocked access to social media in an effort to curb the spread of disinformation following the incident.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Burkina Faso (Security threat level – 4): On 21 May 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows:

“Location: Burkina Faso

“Event: Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Burkina Faso. Terrorists may conduct attacks anywhere with little or no warning. Targets could include hotels, restaurants, police stations, customs offices, military posts, mining sites, places of worship, schools, and anywhere crowds gather.

“Due to the risk of attacks throughout Burkina Faso, the U.S. Embassy prohibits official government travel to the following regions, unless approved in advance.

Centre Est Region

Boucle du Mouhoun

Cascades

Centre-Nord

Centre-Ouest (Not including the Province of Boulkiemdé).

Centre-Sud

Hauts-Bassin

Nord

Sud-Ouest

Ouagadougou Neighborhoods: Karpala, Balkiui and Rayongo

“Actions to Take:

Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.”

Indonesia (Security threat level – 4): On 22 May 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows:

“Demonstrations related to the announcement of election results that began on May 21 have continued overnight and as of 0600 this morning remain ongoing. At multiple sites in central Jakarta, specifically near Tanah Abang and Jl. Wahid Hasyim in Menteng, clashes are taking place between police and protesters. The Embassy strongly advises U.S. citizens to avoid these areas.

“Actions to Take:

Avoid areas where demonstrations or political rallies are occurring and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any large gathering.

Stay current with media coverage of local events, be aware of your surroundings, and practice personal security awareness at all time.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.”

Security threat levels range from 1 (Very Low) to 5 (Very High) and are determined using a comprehensive system that utilizes both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The primary factors used to determine a location’s security threat level are Armed Conflict, Crime, Demonstrations/Strikes, Ethnic/Sectarian Tensions, Graft/Corruption, Kidnapping, Political Instability, Government Restriction and Terrorism.