"Alhamdulillah. I think when I see it, Jakarta gradually grows more conducive, so I feel some kind of safe when travelling with KRL. No disruptions or chaos like before," a passenger, Heri Susatyo (43) said en route to Kampung Bandan, Monday.
Since Monday morning, passengers are seen lining up on stations' platforms to travel to their destinations, and they went in and out train carriages with no issues. Heri said that he is making use of these quiet times to take the train to check his lodging business in Tanah Abang.
"I have lodging house business in Tanah Abang, I want to check it. Can visit for a bit, see what's going on. Last few days, (I'm) concerned about the chaos when I want to check it," he said.
The man's sentiment is shared by fellow passenger, Nurul (22) a student from a university in East Jakarta. She said that she is going to her campus to resolve some administrative matters.
"I was supposed to be on campus a week ago, but I saw news in social media. It's scary to see Jakarta's condition rampant with chaos. Even bus stops and buildings are damaged," Nurul said.
She hopes that Jakarta can gradually retain its peace and safety, especially since she has to go to campus to handle things for her graduation.
On Monday Morning, PT KAI confirmed that they operate some 1.063 Commuter Line trips for Greater Jakarta Area, from 04.00 to 00.00, to ensure people can conduct their activities as usual.
VP Corporate Secretary KAI Commuter Joni Martinus stated that they prioritize safety and security of the passengers in their services, and expressed commitment to provide comfortable experience for the people.
"Our staff are ready to help so all passengers can feel safe and comfortable while using Commuter Line. We hope that the situation grows more conducive, so people's activities can be carried out as normal," Martinus stated.
Since Monday, August 25, some protests took place near parliamentary complex. People, ranging from students, workers, civilians, demand for House of Representatives to be dismantled, and they also scrutinized some policies which are deemed unjust.
The protest was sparked by people's discontent over some lawmakers' inappropriate behaviour and incentives which are deemed excessive. It turned chaotic when police utilized tear gas for crowd control, causing people to disperse to some point across Jakarta.
On Thursday, August 28, thousands of workers protested on similar spot since morning to afternoon. However, chaos broke nearing evening in some spots, like Pejompongan and Asia Afrika Street.
On that day, Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year old motorcycle taxi driver, also died after being ran over by police's tactical vehicle. The incident enraged public even more and caused further havoc.
Some unknown people damaged public facilities and buildings, like authorities' posts, traffic signs, road separators, and some vehicles were set ablaze.
Moreover, irresponsible parties have also broke in to homes of some politicians and officials, ranging from Ahmad Sahroni, Eko Patrio, Surya Utama (Uya Kuya), Nafa Urbach, and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani's home, to loot the items and spray paint over the walls.
Related news: Jakarta incurred losses up to Rp55 billion from last week protests
Related news: Transjakarta suspends all bus lines amid protest-linked damage
Translator: Siti Nurhaliza, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Primayanti
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