Transport authorities in the capital suspended or diverted some rail and bus routes following street protests that local media said turned into late night rioting.
Demonstrations by various groups started on Thursday morning near parliament amid heavy security on the anniversary of deadly anti-government protests last year, which lasted two weeks and gave an early test to the administration of President Prabowo Subianto.
Thousands of police were deployed in Jakarta ahead of Thursday’s rallies, where demonstrators vented their frustration at various government policies and demanded harsher punishment for corrupt officials.
The rally dispersed Thursday evening, but local media outlets reported individuals in black shirts remained on the streets long after, setting fire to a police post and two motorcycles, closing roads and hurling rocks and sticks at police, who responded with water cannon and tear gas.
A witness heard several loud bangs near the area of the reported unrest.
Several routes on the commuter rail line were suspended or diverted on Friday while the city’s bus system said its routes near the parliamentary building were impacted by road closures.
The protest came at a difficult time for Prabowo, a retired general who was elected in 2024 with a huge majority but is battling to restore confidence.
His approval rating slumped to 38% this month in a poll by investigative news outlet Tempo, amid concerns over his costly policies.
Police on Thursday said 65 people were arrested and accused of trying to cause unrest, with air guns, communication devices and materials for making Molotov cocktails seized. — Reuters
