Tension grips Menteng Atas

JAKARTA: Tension has gripped the Menteng Atas area in South Jakarta following a series of molotov cocktail explosions early Tuesday morning.

The incident, which took place around 1:30 a.m., almost sparked a brawl between warring Gang Sawo residents and Gang Lontar residents.

A resident of Gang Sawo, who refused to be named, said that three molotov cocktails were thrown by a person from Gang Lontar. The homemade petrol bombs exploded in a Gang Sawo alleyway, creating panic among residents.

Locals from Gang Sawo immediately gathered together, arming themselves with sharp weapons in preparation of an attack from neighboring Lontar residents.

As of 2:30 a.m. Tuesday no further attacks were reported and locals dispersed after a group of police officers began patrolling the area.

The situation, however, remained tense at midday Tuesday.

The Menteng Atas area has been notorious for violent communal brawls. -- Antara