Nurul Fitri Ramadhani, Jakarta – The legislative complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta has been closed following unrest caused by a protest to challenge the victory of incumbent President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.
The House Secretariat made the announcement on Tuesday, suggesting that all lawmakers, officials, staff and employees, with no exception, avoid activities at the complex from May 22 to 26.
"Both front and back gates will be closed and locked," the announcement read.
According to direct observations by The Jakarta Post on Wednesday morning, the House was tightly guarded by police and military personnel. House security guards were also seen on site.
House Speaker Bambang Soesatyo said on Tuesday that he had urged the secretariat to make such an announcement as a precautionary measure. "I don't want anything to happen to people here amid reports of threats by 'free riders' who want to take advantage of this situation," Bambang said.
"In terms of security, we trust the police and military officers, given that the House is one of the country's vital objects," he added.
The protest by supporters of losing presidential contenders Prabowo Subianto turned into a riot in front of the Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) building on Jl. MH Thamrin in Central Jakarta nearing midnight on Tuesday.
The unrest continued until Wednesday afternoon as protesters burned a police dormitory in Petamburan and moved to Slipi. (wit)