Transport disrupted in Jakarta after unrest following protest

Jakarta's transportation system faced disruptions on Friday as protesters turned their demonstration against corruption into rioting. The unrest began on Thursday, with various groups gathering near parliament amid heavy security. The anniversary of deadly anti-government protests the previous year served as a catalyst for the demonstrations, which lasted two weeks and tested President Prabowo Subianto's administration.

Thousands of police were deployed in Jakarta ahead of Thursday's rallies, where demonstrators expressed frustration with government policies and called for harsher punishment of corrupt officials. Although the rally dispersed by Thursday evening, some individuals in black shirts remained on the streets, setting fire to a police post and motorcycles, closing roads, and attacking police with rocks and sticks.

Police responded with water cannons and tear gas, but the source did not provide details on the number of individuals involved or the extent of the damage caused.

The protest came at a challenging time for Prabowo, a retired general who was elected in 2024 with a substantial majority. His approval rating had dropped to 38% in a recent poll by Tempo, a poll reflecting concerns over his costly populist programs and the economic impacts they may have. Videos circulating on social media, which Reuters could not verify, showed police using tear gas, with some officers hunkered behind shields.

Jakarta police reported arresting 65 individuals accused of attempting to incite unrest, seizing air guns, communication devices, and materials for making Molotov cocktails. Jakarta police spokesperson Budi Hermanto confirmed that rioting had taken place, stating that acts of vandalism could disrupt social order and stability.