Kerusuhan Mei 1998, Saat Jakarta Dikepung Penjarahan dan Pembakaran | ARSIP LIPUTAN 6

Summary

Jakarta experienced widespread riots today, with arson, looting, and vehicle burnings reported across the city. Key areas in Central Jakarta, including Tanah Abang and Thamrin, were hit by violent mobs, leading to significant property damage. Universities like Atmajaya saw campus destruction, and chaos extended to Tangerang with shopping centers and banks vandalized. The Indonesian Rupiah's value dropped, reflecting the turmoil, and banking activities were halted for the day. The situation remains tense as security forces struggle to maintain order.

Takeaways

• 🚨 Widespread rioting occurred in Jakarta, with acts of looting accompanied by vehicle burning and commercial centers being targeted.
• 🔥 Central Jakarta areas like Tanah Abang experienced arson attacks on buildings and the Millennium Hotel was also attacked.
• 🚓 Security forces quickly responded to block and secure the affected areas to prevent further escalation.
• 🛍️ In Semanggi Sudirman, thousands of protesters blocked traffic and chased away security personnel attempting to stop the arson.
• 🏢 Atmajaya University students also demonstrated, vandalizing and looting shops in the Pasar Baru area.
• 🏬 Several shopping locations in Tangerang were targeted, including Di Cimone Grendeng, despite heavy security presence.
• 🏦 Bank Indonesia announced the cancellation of clearing activities for the day due to the security situation, halting all banking activities.
• 💵 The rupiah's value dropped significantly against the US dollar, reaching 12,000 to 1 before stabilizing.
• 📉 The Jakarta Composite Index closed at 403,679, after experiencing fluctuations due to the unrest.
• 🏠 Residential areas in Jakarta Barat, such as Duta Garden Kebon Besar and Mogot, were not spared from the violence, with properties being burned.

Q & A

What type of unrest is described in the Jakarta area?

The script describes acts of rioting, including arson, looting, and the burning of vehicles and shopping centers in various parts of Jakarta.

Which areas in Jakarta Central were specifically mentioned as being affected by the unrest?

Tanah Abang, Hotel Millenium, Jalan Thamrin, and Jalan Budi are mentioned as areas affected by the unrest, with buildings being set on fire and looted.

What was the response of the security forces to the unrest in Jakarta?

Security forces quickly arrived to block and secure the areas affected by the unrest, attempting to control the situation.

What actions did the protesters take in the Semanggi area?

In the Semanggi area, protesters blocked traffic, stopped vehicles, and chased away security forces trying to disperse the crowds and stop the arson.

What actions were taken by students from Atmajaya University?

Students from Atmajaya University in Pasar Baru destroyed shops and looted goods from them.

Which shopping areas in Tangerang were targeted by the rioters?

Shopping areas in Tangerang like Di Cimone Grendeng were targeted, with rioters looting and setting fire to shops.

What was the impact on banking services due to the unrest?

Bank Indonesia announced the cancellation of clearing services for the day, effectively halting all banking activities in the country.

How did the unrest affect the exchange rate of the Indonesian Rupiah?

The unrest caused the value of the Rupiah to drop, with the exchange rate reaching 11,500 Rupiah for 1 US Dollar in the spot market.

What was the situation like in Jakarta West, particularly in areas like Tomang and Cengkareng?

In Jakarta West, especially in Tomang and Cengkareng, there were mass gatherings that led to looting and arson, with large shopping malls being burned down.

What measures were taken to prevent the unrest from spreading to residential areas?

Security forces were deployed to guard the areas, and some employees in Jakarta West were sent home to prevent the unrest from spreading to residential neighborhoods.