Shocking images capture scenes of violence and arson at Jakarta anti-Ahok rally

An elderly man died possibly from the effects of tear gas, said Jakarta police.

Anti-Ahok rally
A Muslim hardline protester carries a broken police shield as he walks near burning trucks during the protest Reuters

The massive rally against Jakarta's Chinese Christian governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, which temporarily crippled the city, turned violent late on Friday night with gangs of jihadists torching police vehicles and attacking officers.

The violence took place just at a stone's throw away from the presidential palace and city hall. The hardliners clashed with the police force and hurled bottles and rocks at officers, injuring several people. Police retaliated by firing tear gas, water cannon and truncheons into thousands of rioting protesters to bring the situation under control.

President Joko Widodo vehemently condemned the riot and urged protesters to return to their homes. Moreover, he also cancelled visit to Australia.

Not only Jakarta, other cities of Indonesia, including Medan on Sumatra, Makassar in Sulawesi and Malang in East Java, held protests in solidarity with the rally organised by the hardline Islamic Defenders Front (FPI).

IBT Singapore brings to you some nerve wrecking photos of the protest:

Anti-Ahok rally
Placards are being carried by members of hardline Muslim groups. Reuters
Anti-Ahok rally
Members of hardline Muslim groups hold a big national flag as they attend the protest. Reuters
Anti-Ahok rally
Muslim students broke the barb wire during the protest. Reuters
Anti-Ahok rally
Students try to climb barb wires in Jakarta during the protest Reuters
Anti-Ahok rally
Muslim hardline protesters clash with anti-riot policemen in Jakarta Reuters
Anti-Ahok rally
Muslim hardline protesters cover their faces as police fire tear gas during the protest Reuters
Anti-Ahok rally
Indonesian policemen carry their injured colleague during the protest in Jakarta Reuters

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