Jakarta: At least six people were killed as Indonesia’s capital erupted in violence on Wednesday when police in riot gear clashed with protesters opposed
Jakarta: At least six people were killed as Indonesia’s capital erupted in violence on Wednesday when police in riot gear clashed with protesters opposed to President Joko Widodo’s re-election.
Dozens were arrested and parts of Jakarta were littered with debris and burned-out cars, as the violence triggered security advisories from the US and Australian embassies.
Authorities also restricted access to some social media in a bid to stop the spreading of rumours and fake news.
National police chief Tito Karnavian said six people had died, but denied authorities had fired live rounds on the crowd and called for calm.
“Some had gunshot wounds, some had blunt force wounds but we still need to clarify this,” he told reporters.
The violence came after Indonesia’s election commission on Tuesday confirmed Widodo, 57, had beaten retired military general Prabowo Subianto for the presidency in a poll held on April 17.
