TheJakartaPost
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Expats undeterred by Jakarta protests
Several foreign embassies in Jakarta have updated their websites to warn their respective citizens about Indonesia's nationwide protests.
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Clashes break out between security forces and protestors in front of the House of Representatives compound in Central Jakarta on Monday. (JP/Seto Wardhana)
I
ndian national Yagika Kiran Madan, who works for a private company in Rasuna Said, South Jakarta, was stressed out as she struggled to find an app-based taxi driver that would accept her order to her apartment in Kebon Kacang, Central Jakarta, on Monday evening.
Three drivers of app-based services cancelled her orders and, on top of that, she heard from her neighbors that a demonstration that was taking place near her apartment erupted into riots.
“It was more of a panicky situation around me. I believe it affected all of us mentally,” she said Thursday.
Madan managed to arrive safely at her apartment, although it took her much longer than usual to get there.
Activists and students took to the streets on Monday near the House of Representatives complex in Central Jakarta to protest against bills they fear could affect civil liberties, such as revisions to the Criminal Code and the recently endorsed Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Law. The protests, which lasted till Wednesday, followed large-scale nationwide protests last week.
The protests on Monday turned ugly when riots broke out in the evening, prompting security personnel to close roads and some buildings in the Senayan area. Hundreds reportedly suffered injuries and hundreds were arrested as a result of clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
Transjakarta buses halted services, and fewer drivers for taxis and ride-hailing services were available, causing fares to spike well above normal rates.
