FPI`s Rally, Jalan Kebon Sirih Closed Temporarily

Hundreds of people incorporated in the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) hold demonstration against the appointment of current Jakarta Vice Governor Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja Purnama as new Jakarta governor in front of Jakarta City Council (DPRD) building, Jalan Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta, Wednesday (9/24).

We have closed the road when the masses started to arrive. Even some vehicles had trapped in the middle of masses

No wonder, Jalan Kebon Sirih could not be passed by vehicles and police had to close the road since 11.20 AM.

Vice Chief of Central Jakarta Resort Police, Adj. Sr. Cmr. Umar S Fana said hundreds of FPI members have crowded the Jalan Kebon Sirih and cannot be passed by vehicles. "We have closed the road when the masses started to arrive. Even some vehicles had trapped in the middle of masses," he told, when being met in DPRD building, Wednesday (9/24).

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Police officers then immediately direct the motorists on Jalan Kebon Sirih. Vehicles coming from Jalan Thamrin has been rerouted to Jalan Agus Salim, either to the left or right. "We immediately sent out officers to the field for managing traffic," he reported.

He furthered road closure will not affect on the surrounding traffic. This is because only few vehicles towards to Jalan Kebon Sirih. In addition, the road is not a main road. Thus the vehicle can still look for other alternative way. "It will not have much impact. Traffic congestion just happens when the mass departure from Petamburan to DPRD building," he said.

Such road closure is situational. If the mass has dispersed, the road will be re-opened. But he could not confirm how long the closure is done. "This is just situational," he asserted.