Rioters riding on public discontent

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Darkness engulfed the long stretch of Jl. Kramat Raya, Jl. Salemba Raya and Jl. Matraman Raya in Central Jakarta on the evening of July 27. The nearby Jl. Diponegoro, Jl. Proklamasi, Jl. Cikini Raya. Jl. Surabaya and Jl. Pegangsaan were equally quiet and dark, save for explosions from burning structures and cheering and hand clapping from the crowd. The nearly full moon, which rose at dusk, was hidden by thick smoke rising from the burning buildings along the closed streets. Spectators, who earlier in the day were engaged in a battle with the police and military, watched quietly as the red, angry flame licked the buildings. The police officers and troops watched quietly. Someone was heard saying, "As a nation, we should be ashamed." ________________________________________________________________