Transport disrupted in Indonesia's capital after unrest following protest
Several routes on the commuter rail line in Jakarta were suspended or diverted on Friday (Aug 28) while the city's bus system said its routes near the parliamentary building were impacted by road closures. JAKARTA:…
Source: Channel NewsAsia · August 28, 2026 at 10:01 PM · AI-assisted report
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JAKARTA, 29 AUGUST 2026 —
Transport Disruptions Hit Jakarta After Protests Turn Violent
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JAKARTA, Aug 28 — Several commuter rail routes in Indonesia’s capital were suspended or diverted on Friday after protests near parliament escalated into overnight unrest, disrupting transport services across the city.
Demonstrations began Thursday morning near the parliamentary building, marking the anniversary of deadly anti-government protests last year. Thousands of police were deployed as demonstrators criticized government policies and called for stricter penalties against corrupt officials. While the rally dispersed by evening, local media reported that clashes continued late into the night, with protesters in black shirts setting fire to a police post and two motorcycles, blocking roads and throwing rocks at security forces.
Police responded with water cannons and tear gas, according to witnesses.
Transport services were directly affected. Jakarta’s commuter rail operator suspended or diverted several routes on Friday, while the city’s bus system reported disruptions near the parliamentary area due to road closures. Toll roads in the vicinity were also shut, the operator confirmed.
The unrest comes at a challenging time for President Prabowo Subianto, who took office in 2024 with a strong mandate but faces growing public skepticism over his populist economic policies. Businesses and investors have expressed concerns about the impact of these programs on economic stability.
Police reported detaining 65 individuals on Thursday, accusing them of attempting to incite violence. Authorities seized air guns, communication devices, and materials for making Molotov cocktails. Jakarta police spokesperson Budi Hermanto acknowledged the rioting, stating that vandalism threatened social order.
Videos circulating on social media showed police using tear gas and shields, though Reuters could not independently verify the footage.
The protests and resulting disruptions highlight ongoing tensions in Jakarta, with transport services likely to remain affected until authorities restore full access to key areas.
Related: parliamentary building · President Prabowo Subianto · Jakarta