Jakarta Transport Services Disrupted by Anti-Corruption Protests Turning Violent

Public transportation in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, faced significant disruptions on Friday as authorities suspended or rerouted several train and bus services. The disruptions occurred in the wake of street protests that, according to local media reports, escalated into riots extending late into the night.

The protests, involving various groups, began on Thursday morning near the Parliament building under heavy security. These demonstrations mark an early test for President Prabowo Subianto's administration, occurring on the anniversary of last year's violent anti-government protests. Thousands of police were deployed in Jakarta ahead of Thursday's gatherings, with demonstrators expressing dissatisfaction with various government policies and demanding harsher penalties for corrupt officials.

While the main protests dispersed on Thursday afternoon, reports indicate that individuals clad in black remained on the streets, engaging in acts of vandalism. These included setting fire to a police booth and two motorcycles, blocking roads, and throwing objects at police, who responded with water cannons and tear gas. A Reuters witness reported hearing loud explosions near the areas of unrest.

In response to the ongoing situation, Jakarta's transportation authorities implemented service changes. Several commuter train routes were suspended or altered on Friday, and the city's bus system reported that routes near the Parliament building were affected by road closures. Some toll roads in the vicinity of Parliament were also closed. The Jakarta police had previously announced the deployment of 18,500 officers to maintain security amidst rising public anger over economic hardships and widening inequality.