Hooligans invade Jakarta

Traditionally the most popular sports in the country, the national soccer league matches have always attracted fanatics.

This week, as the quarterfinal rounds of the Djarum Soccer League takes place in Jakarta's Bung Karno Sports Complex in Senayan, thousands of hooligans from Central Java, East Java, South Sulawesi and Jakarta swarmed the capital.

As their four teams -- PSM Makassar, Persebaya Surabaya, PSIS Semarang and Persija Jakarta -- are fighting it out on the field, youngsters from the four cities created another battlefield near the sports complex.

Most of them headed to Jakarta with barely any money. More often than not that they end up committing crimes and causing unrest in the city.

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JP/ P.J. Leo LUNCH BREAK: Supporters of PSIS Semarang who came all the way from Central Java enjoy their lunch in front of Al-Bina mosque at the Bung Karno Sports Complex, Senayan, South Jakarta.

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JP/Mulkan Salmona BREAKING IN: A fan of Persebaya Surabaya who tries to break into the match venue for free is held back by several military personnel.

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JP/R. Berto Wedhatama ON GUARD: PSM supporters coming from Makassar, South Sulawesi stand across from the Jakarta Convention Center in Senayan after a brawl with fans from Surabaya. They carry sticks and anything that can serve as a weapon.

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JP/Mulkan Salmona RUN! JUST RUN!: Persebaya fans run as Makassar hooligans hurl stones at them. Earlier, a fight between the supporters of the two opposing teams that injured several people took place even before the game had began.

Photo caption 5 JP/R. Berto Wedhatama BUS RIDE: Dozens of supporters of Jakarta team Persija take a public bus, occupying all possible space in it, including the roof top, risking their own lives.