A day earlier than what was expected, Indonesia's election commission on Tuesday released official results that confirmed Joko Widodo had beaten retired military general Prabowo Subianto for the presidency in a poll held on April 17.
Some countries, including UK, Australia and Canada, have updated their travel advisories for Indonesia on Tuesday over security concerns following this announcement.
Britons were urged to avoid protests, demonstrations and political rallies as there’s a risk of violence.
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"The Indonesian authorities have stated that they expect there to be continued demonstrations in central Jakarta following the announcement of the results and have put in place security personnel and some road closures," the British government said in its travel advisory.
"Expect significant traffic disruptions in areas where demonstrations occur. Demonstrations may also take place in other cities on the islands of Java and Sumatra."
Meanwhile Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Tuesday renewed its travel advisory for Indonesia on its Smartraveller's website.
Protests in Jakarta turned violent late Tuesday and continued during the night. Source: AAP
"Approximately 46,000 security personnel will secure protest sites in Jakarta. Police have been intercepting protesters from regional areas, and preventing their travel to Jakarta. As a precaution, a number of public institutions, including cultural sites and some schools, will not open on 22 May."
The department advices Australians to 'exercising a high degree of caution' in Indonesia and avoiding protests, demonstrations and rallies as these can turn violent without warning.
Canadians were also warned to be cautious especially following the announcement of the results of the recent presidential and legislative elections.
"There is a heightened risk of terrorism in reaction to the announcement of the results. Expect an increased presence of security forces in Jakarta. Demonstrations may also take place throughout the country," read Canadian government travel advisory for Indonesia.
Widodo , retired General Prabowo Subianto, in last month's election.
An election supervisory agency earlier on Monday dismissed claims of systematic cheating because of a lack of evidence, and independent observers and analysts have said the poll was free and fair.
But a witness for Prabowo's campaign team and the leading opposition party refused to sign and validate the official results, which were announced more than a day earlier than expected after the KPU worked into the early hours of Tuesday to finish the vote count.
"We won't give up in the face of this injustice, cheating, lies, and these actions against democracy," said Azis Subekti, a witness from Prabowo's campaign team.
