Central Jakarta Police late on Thursday night dispersed a group of people protesting the city's plan to build a block of apartments in Rawasari, Central Jakarta, on land that was supposedly destined to become a green area.

Police said they arrested three suspected provocateurs behind the demonstration, which had continued for at least a week. Central Jakarta Police Chief Sr. Comr. Hamidin said protesters had "destroyed" the gate and lighting equipment at the Green Pramuka residences.

Seno Budiarto, one of the protesters, said four female protesters had been on a hunger strike since last Saturday and two of them had sewn their lips shut.

"We were duped by the city administration," Seno told reporters. "We were kicked off this land in 2008 because the administration said the land would be turned into green space.

"And now they are building apartments," he said. "Many of us now have no homes and are renting places. The city won't speak with us. What are we to do?"