Indonesian police patrol Jakarta in May 22 (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia deployed thousands of soldiers and police officers in Jakarta on May 23 afterprotests in opposition of the official results of the country’s recentpresidential election turned violent.
Earlierthe same day, a police station and booths at a crossroads in Sabang, Jakarta,were burned by protesters. Crowds congregated around the fires, making it hardfor fire fighting forces to extinguish them.
Protestersalso reportedly threatened to throw petrol bombs at security forces.
Disturbancesalso broke out in front of the building of Indonesia’s Elections SupervisoryAgency (Bawaslu) after a crowd threw bottles and fireworks towards security forces.Police have been deployed and have used tear gas to control the crowds.
Presidentialcandidate Prabowo Subianto and his running mate Sandiaga held a pressconference with reporters and supporters on May 22.
In hisspeech, Prabowo conveyed his condolences to families of the clashes’ victims.He called on all supporters to avoid all forms of violence that could inflameconditions during the month of Ramadan.
Heunderlined that incidents of violence that tarnish Indonesia’s dignity shouldnot occur again.
A total of 257 rioters were arrested afterprotests, said Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono, adding that many othersare likely to be arrested if protests continue.
Speaking at a press conference, Argo claimed thatthe arrested rioters were not supporters of Prabowo, but they were paid toprovoke disturbances and attack police.
At least six people were killed and more than 350injured in violent protests that took place after the General ElectionsCommission (KPU) of Indonesia on May 21 announced the final results of the2019 presidential and parliament elections.
President Joko Widodo was re-elected for thesecond term after he won 55.5 percent of votes, compared to 44.5 percent for hisrival, former General Prabowo. –VNA
VNA
