Jakarta unrest: Protests turn violent, transport services disrupted after overnight clashes

Transport services in parts of Jakarta were disrupted on Friday following overnight unrest near Indonesia’s parliament, with local media reporting rioting in the area. Several commuter rail services were suspended or rerouted, while bus operations near parliament were affected by road closures. Some toll roads in the vicinity were also shut.The protests began near parliament on Thursday morning amid a heavy security presence. Various groups demonstrated against government policies and demanded tougher punishment for corrupt officials. Thousands of police personnel had been deployed across Jakarta ahead of the rallies.Overnight unrest follows parliament protestAfter the main rally ended on Thursday evening, local media reported that people wearing black shirts remained near the protest site. They allegedly blocked roads and threw rocks and sticks at police before setting fire to a police post and two motorcycles.Police responded with water cannon and tear gas as the unrest escalated.A Reuters witness reported hearing several loud bangs near the site. Jakarta police initially did not issue a statement and did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Jakarta police spokesperson Budi Hermanto later confirmed that rioting had taken place, according to local media.“Acts of vandalism can disrupt social order and stability,” detik.com quoted him as saying.65 arrested after unrestPolice said 65 people were arrested on Thursday on suspicion of attempting to create unrest. Authorities said they seized air guns and communication devices, as well as materials allegedly intended for making Molotov cocktails.Videos circulating on social media early Friday appeared to show police using tear gas, with officers crouching behind shields. Reuters said it could not immediately verify the footage.The protests were held on the anniversary of last year's deadly anti-government demonstrations, which continued for two weeks and posed an early challenge to President Prabowo Subianto's administration.Prabowo faces pressure over economyThe latest unrest comes as Prabowo seeks to rebuild confidence among the public, businesses and investors concerned about the economic impact of his ambitious populist programmes.Prabowo, a retired general, won the 2024 presidential election with a large majority. However, concerns have grown over the cost of his policies and their impact on the economy.A poll conducted by investigative news outlet Tempo put his approval rating at 38 per cent this month.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.