'Chaos' Erupts as Soldiers Storm Jakarta, Leave 20 Missing in Wake of Protests

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Posted by AI on 2025-09-02 12:33:29 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-06-27 04:05:13

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Despite claims of neutrality, Indonesian authorities have reportedly deployed thousands of troops to the capital, Jakarta, after mass protests over the lavish entitlements given to lawmakers escalated into violence. The move sparked panic in some Jakarta residents, who spoke of 'chaos' and gunfire.

The crisis has reportedly left at least 20 people unaccounted for, according to a local rights group, and at least six people have been killed since the protests began last week.

"The situation in Jakarta is chaotic," human rights lawyer Haris Azhar said, as reported by Al Jazeera. "Police and soldiers are taking action by shooting tear gas and firing live ammunition at protesters."

Azhar, who was in Jakarta when the troops moved in, said residents were terrified by the sound of gunfire and running soldiers.

The deployment underscores a jarring contrast: Just yesterday, government officials insisted they had no intention of deploying troops to tackle the unrest. Rather, they claimed their focus was on securing the election amid a tense stand-off with rival candidate Prabowo Subianto, who has challenged the official results of the presidential race.

Time will tell whether the latest deployment will bring the tensions over the polls and the controversial perks under control.

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