Transport restricted in Jakarta after unrest near parliament

In Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, on August 28, some commuter train and bus services were suspended or rerouted following protests that, according to local media, escalated into overnight unrest. This was reported by Channel NewsAsia, citing Reuters. Bus traffic near the parliament building was restricted due to road closures, and several toll highways in the area were also closed.

Protests near parliament

Demonstrations by various groups began on the morning of August 27 near parliament. They took place amid heightened security measures on the anniversary of last year's anti-government protests, which lasted two weeks and were accompanied by deaths.

Thousands of police officers were deployed in Jakarta ahead of the rallies. Protest participants expressed dissatisfaction with a number of government decisions and demanded harsher punishment for corrupt officials.

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The main rally ended on the evening of August 27, but local media reported that some people dressed in black remained on the streets. According to these reports, they set fire to a police post and two motorcycles, blocked roads, and threw stones and sticks at police officers.

Police actions and detentions

According to local media, police responded by using water cannons and tear gas. A Reuters correspondent heard several loud sounds near the area where unrest was reported. Videos shared on social media on the morning of August 28 allegedly showed law enforcement officers using tear gas, but Reuters was unable to immediately verify them.

On August 27, police said they had detained 65 people, accusing them of attempting to cause unrest. According to police, air guns, communications equipment, and materials for making Molotov cocktails were seized from those detained. Jakarta police spokesperson Budi Hermanto confirmed the unrest and said acts of vandalism could disrupt public order and stability.