Andrea Arshirena Hosana, Dayat, Jakarta – Violent unrest in Indonesia's capital escalated on Friday night and early Saturday, with police stations and public facilities targeted in sporadic acts of vandalism following days of protests that turned violent.

The turmoil began Thursday during a labor rally outside parliament and intensified after news broke in the evening that a motorcycle taxi driver, 21-year-old Affan Kurniawan, was killed when struck by a police armored vehicle deployed to disperse demonstrators.

By midnight, protesters set fire to government vehicles, damaged public infrastructure, and attacked police outposts. In East Jakarta, crowds torched the headquarters of the city's police command, leaving dozens of vehicles destroyed, windows shattered, guard posts leveled, and officers injured by stones. Five district police stations – in Matraman, Makasar, Ciracas, Jatinegara, and Cipayung – were also attacked, authorities confirmed.

Witnesses reported looting and arson at a police facility in Central Jakarta housing the Mobile Brigade's bomb squad, where protesters burned two buses. Bus shelters in Senen and along Sudirman Avenue were also set ablaze.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the damaged East Jakarta police headquarters on Saturday morning, some chanting demands for justice for Kurniawan, while security forces formed barricades to prevent further violence.

President Prabowo Subianto and National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo each visited Kurniawan's family on Friday to express condolences.

The unrest also forced major traffic disruptions. Toll road operator Jasa Marga closed several gates leading to central Jakarta, including Angke 2, Jelambar 2, Tanjung Duren, Slipi 2, and Pejompongan. Access from Soekarno-Hatta Airport toward Cawang and vice versa was also blocked, with drivers diverted via the Kebon Nanas-Tanjung Priok route.

As of Saturday morning, demonstrators remained near the parliament complex, while security forces stood guard to prevent further incursions.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/police-stations-attacked-toll-roads-closed-during-jakarta-unres