Andrew Tito, Jakarta – Jakarta's bus rapid transit operator TransJakarta suspended all services on Saturday after seven bus stations were vandalized or set on fire during a week of violent protests in the capital.
TransJakarta spokesperson Ayu Wardhani said the decision was made due to safety concerns following extensive damage to public transport infrastructure. "This morning, all TransJakarta services remain suspended. We continue to monitor the situation to ensure the security of routes and facilities," she said.
The most recent incidents saw Bundaran Senayan and Pemuda Pramuka stations in central Jakarta completely destroyed by fire. The shutdown has forced thousands of daily commuters to seek alternative transport, leaving the city's mobility severely disrupted.
Wardhani urged the public to help protect shared infrastructure. "Public transport belongs to all of us and serves millions daily. We call on the community to safeguard public facilities so they can continue benefiting everyone," she said.
The seven damaged stations are: Polda Metro Jaya, Senen Toyota Rangga, Sentral Senen, Senayan BDKI, Gerbang Pemuda, Bundaran Senayan, and Pemuda Pramuka. All are located in high-traffic areas, magnifying the disruption.
Under normal conditions, TransJakarta carries more than 1 million passengers each day.
The mass protest began Monday when thousands surrounded the parliament building protesting against generous benefits awarded for lawmakers. Another rally occurred at the same place involving labor unions with different demands. On both occasions, riot police clashed with protesters.
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.
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.
By midnight, protesters set fire to government vehicles, damaged public infrastructure, and attacked police outposts.