Protesters hang banners at the entrance of Parliament as they demand stronger anti-corruption policies. (Photo: AP)
Overnight unrest follows parliament protest
Police said 65 people were arrested on Thursday on suspicion of attempting to create unrest. A Reuters witness reported hearing several loud bangs near the site. Jakarta police spokesperson Budi Hermanto later confirmed that rioting had taken place, according to local media.
Authorities said they seized air guns and communication devices, as well as materials allegedly intended for making Molotov cocktails. 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. 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. Jakarta police initially did not issue a statement and did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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. 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. The protests began near parliament on Thursday morning amid a heavy security presence.