C-D18-00223 -- INDONESIAN REACTION TO ANTI-ISLAM

C O N F I D E N T I A L JAKARTA 000459 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, DS/IP/EAP, DS/ATA NSC FOR E. PHU E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/06/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV ASEC ID SUBJECT: C-D18-00223 -- INDONESIAN REACTION TO ANTI-ISLAM VIDEO REF: STATE 020822 Classified By: Pol/C Joseph Legend Novak, reasons 1.4 (b+d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Reaction in Indonesia to the expected release of the Dutch anti-Islamic video has been calm. So far, there have been no incidents or major protests related to the matter. Local media outlets have hardly reported on the possible release of the video. We have touched base with the Dutch Embassy and RSO is working with the Indonesian National Police--who have been cooperative--to coordinate an appropriate security response. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (SBU) LITTLE REACTION SO FAR: Per reftel request for information, Mission has monitored reaction to the possible release of the Dutch anti-Islamic video since the matter was first raised a couple of months ago. Indonesians remain calm and local media has not widely reported on the matter. So far, there have been no incidents or major protests and we have not heard of any plans for rallies, etc. ¶3. (C) TOUCHING BASE WITH THE DUTCH: Poloff contacted the Dutch Embassy in early February regarding the video. At the time, the Dutch had contacted the Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs (DEPLU) regarding the matter and received assurances. ¶4. (C) Mission's Regional Security Officer subsequently spoke with Peter Nuyten, the Dutch Embassy Security Officer, on March 5. The Dutch are concerned about potential security problems that may arise if/when the video is released. Nuyten told RSO that the Dutch Embassy has contacted the Indonesian National Police (INP) and asked about an enhanced security posture for its Embassy. Mission will continue to liase with the Dutch. ¶5. (C) RSO WORKING WITH POLICE: The RSO has also been in contact with the INP about security precautions. The RSO has been reassured by the Assistant Police Chief for Jakarta, Brigadier General Drs. R. Tarigan, that his office is monitoring the situation closely and that the GOI will respond appropriately to any threat to U.S. personnel and property or toward the wider diplomatic community. ¶6. (C) At this time, RSO is satisfied with Mission's security posture--inclusive of the Embassy in Jakarta and the Consulates in Medan and Surabaya. We believe that the INP's Mobile Brigade--backed by the political will of the government--can manage any demonstrations, etc., that may occur if/when this matter comes to a head. HUME