IO, Jakarta – The clash between People’s Sovereignty Movement protestors and the police continued at Jatibaru, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday 22 May 2019. A large group continued to fight the police by throwing rocks and fireworks at them.
Our observation shows that the police held their position not far from the Gambir Regional Precinct in Central Jakarta. Explosions and white smoke have been seen. The riot was being controlled by military personnel assigned to the site. However, when these soldiers arrived in their trucks, the mob did not back off. On the contrary, they welcomed the soldiers and did not attack them. “The soldiers are with the people – the soldiers are with the people. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,” shouted the mob.
The soldiers made an effort to calm down the mob and asked them to disperse. This appeared to be successful for a short while. However, after they calmed down a bit, they started up another attack on the police, throwing rocks and fireworks at them. (dsy)