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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Death toll reaches 200 ![]() The trouble in Jakarta is aimed at a president who has ruled for over 30 years ![]() The death toll in Indonesia has reached more than 200 after the last four days of riots, looting and protests.
Witnesses said most of the victims were looters who broke into the mall, and were trapped inside when other rioters set it alight.
The violence has been triggered by economic and political unrest. But what began as student demonstrations calling for the resignation of the long-standing leader, President Suharto, has now descended into mass protests and rioting.
Foreigners are also leaving the country, with many multi-national companies flying their staff and families out of the country. The US embassy has also advised its citizens to leave as soon as possible. Reports say that some foreigners' homes have been looted, and a hotel has been set on fire. 'Total anarchy' Although tanks and armoured vehicles are patrolling the streets, the violence is still continuing.
The armed forces chief, General Wiranto, who also serves as Defence Minister, has said he will do whatever is necessary to control the unrest - 15,000 troops are deployed in Jakarta, according to the General, but as yet a curfew has not been imposed. The BBC correspondent in Jakarta described the situation earlier as "utter and total anarchy", with local people running riot and looters wandering freely around Jakarta, carrying goods from shops in a commercial district not far from the presidential palace.
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