Tangerang – Hundreds of protesters blocked the rear entrance to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Monday, causing traffic congestion from Tangerang to the airport.

The protesters were upset over what they claimed was the assault of five residents of Selapajang subdistrict by airport security guards.

Protester leader H. Limir said the security guards, who are employed by airport operator PT Angkasa Pura II on a contract basis, detained the five men as they were collecting recyclable trash at the airport Feb. 2.

"The security officers beat them up... they are not thieves. We want PT Angkasa Pura to take action against the guards." PT Angkasa Pura spokesman Endang Sumarsa said it would reevaluate its cooperation with PT Adonara Bakti Bangsa, the company that provides security guards to the airport under a one-year contract.

The head of airport administration, Untung Rahayu, said the protest made it difficult for some passengers to reach the airport. "Luckily, the protest did not cause any flight delays," he said.