Jakarta, August 25, 2025 – A demonstration in front of the Indonesian Parliament Building (DPR/MPR RI), Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Monday afternoon turned violent. What began as a peaceful symbolic protest with flower petals ended in clashes, vandalism, traffic disruptions, and paralyzed commuter train services.
From Flower Tribute to Clash with Police
At around 4:05 p.m. local time, hundreds of university students staged a symbolic act at the DPR’s Pancasila Gate by scattering flower petals in front of police barricades while chanting Islamic hymns. “This is a symbol of mourning for democracy and justice in Indonesia, which we say has died,” said one protestor in a white shirt.
The situation escalated around 5:00 p.m. when vocational high school students (STM) lit a series of firecrackers near the BNI 46 Tower to block security forces. Police responded with at least three rounds of tear gas and deployed water cannon trucks.
Violence Spreads to Slipi Flyover
By 5:50 p.m., clashes had spread toward the Slipi Flyover and Pejompongan tunnel. Protesters threw stones at officers, while residents taking shelter from the rain panicked and ran. Tear gas still filled the Pejompongan area until around 6:09 p.m.
Protesters Enter Toll Road, Traffic Rerouted
At the same time, protesters broke into the Jakarta Inner-City Toll Road at KM 07+400. Toll operator Jasamarga immediately rerouted traffic: vehicles from Cawang to Slipi were diverted at KM 05+000, while the opposite direction exited at KM 12+500.
The Jakarta Police Traffic Management Center (@TMCPoldaMetro) also announced road diversions at several points, including Dharmais Hospital Exit toward Pancoran.
Police Post Vandalized
A police post on Jalan Gerbang Pemuda, Tanah Abang, was vandalized. Windows were shattered, walls sprayed with graffiti, and the interior littered with broken glass and trash.
Students Arrested in Ciputat
The unrest also spread outside Jakarta. Ciputat Timur Police arrested 25 junior and senior high school students suspected of planning to join the protest. “They were provoked by calls on social media,” said Ciputat Timur Police Chief, Commissioner Bambang Askar Sodiq.
Protesters Take Over Railway, KRL Commuter Line Paralyzed
The peak of chaos occurred when protesters entered the railway tracks under Pejompongan Flyover. They hurled stones at police, with some waving the Indonesian national flag and even an “One Piece” flag. Security forces defended with shields while police continued firing tear gas.
As a result, the KRL commuter line between Tanah Abang–Palmerah was completely paralyzed. PT KAI Commuter rerouted trains via Kebayoran Station, with some trips only terminating at Palmerah. Crowds piled up, and some commuters were forced to walk along the tracks while covering their faces from tear gas.
Heavy Traffic Gridlock in Jakarta
The unrest triggered massive traffic jams across Senayan, Pejompongan, and Jalan Tentara Pelajar. Central Jakarta Police Chief, Commissioner Susatyo Purnomo Condro, personally went on site urging drivers not to stop on the flyover.
“Those still on motorcycles, keep moving. This is not a spectacle,” he warned.