Andrew Tito, Jakarta – A protest outside the House of Representatives (DPR) complex in Senayan on Monday descended into chaos, leaving behind a trail of destruction, including a wrecked police post, an attack on a motorcyclist, and clashes that continued into the night despite heavy rain.
The rally drew thousands of students, workers, and activists demanding the dissolution of parliament and the passage of the Asset Forfeiture Bill. Protesters also voiced anger at what they called tone-deaf government policies, particularly lawmakers' recent pay hikes amid economic hardships. The government has approved a Rp 50 million ($3,000) monthly housing allowance for each lawmaker, a benefit critics say is grossly out of touch with the struggles faced by most Indonesians.
Many participants carried banners, national flags, and even the skull-and-crossbones flag from the Japanese anime One Piece, a symbol that has recently appeared as a form of resistance.
What began as a peaceful demonstration turned violent when crowds pushed against the DPR's gates, damaged TransJakarta barriers, and hurled stones at police. Officers responded with tear gas, forcing demonstrators to scatter into surrounding areas, including Slipi, Gelora, and Pejompongan.
One of the worst-hit facilities was a small traffic police post on Jalan Gerbang Pemuda, Gelora. Its windows were shattered, walls spray-painted in red and yellow, and its electrical panel ripped open with wires dangling. Inside, glass shards and garbage littered the floor. Locals said the destruction occurred after protesters fled from tear gas barrages.
As dusk fell near the Slipi-Petamburan intersection, a motorcyclist was assaulted after allegedly revving his engine while passing through the crowd. Witnesses said protesters forced him off his bike and attacked him before police intervened. His motorcycle was also vandalized. The injured victim was later escorted to safety by security officers.
Clashes reignited later in Pejompongan, Central Jakarta, even as heavy rain drenched the city. After police pushed protesters from Bendungan Hilir and began withdrawing tactical vehicles, dozens of officers resting under a flyover were suddenly ambushed. A group of demonstrators who had earlier dispersed regrouped and hurled stones at both police and civilians sheltering from the rain.
The surprise assault triggered panic, with commuters and residents scrambling to escape. Some slipped on the rain-slicked road as they fled the barrage of stones. By 8 p.m., crowds remained concentrated around Pejompongan, blocking traffic toward Slipi and Gatot Subroto.
Police said they are reviewing CCTV footage and witness accounts to investigate the vandalism and assaults. No fatalities were reported, but several officers and civilians were injured. Authorities stayed on high alert into the night, guarding the DPR complex and key roads as traffic slowly reopened.
As of Monday afternoon, police had detained 15 people, including four high school students.