Guide Note

The Olympic Torch Relay is passed through Jakarta on April 22, 2008. The event was originally planned to follow a 10 mile course through the center of the city, but the route was shortened following security concerns and pressure from China. Instead, the torch was carried around the national stadium in front of a crowd of specially selected and screened onlookers.

There have been anti-Chinese riots in Jakarta as recently as 1998. Jakarta's sizable Chinese community faced frequent violence from other citizens and continuous repression from the government until the introduction of democracy.

A small group of Tibetan Independence activists organized a demonstration near the entrance of the stadium. Jakarta police quickly broke up the protest and detained its participants. Officials said that while citizens do have the freedom of speech, they must notify local government of planned demonstrations. Protesters claimed the proper authorities had been notified.

Fast Facts

1. Scheduled for April 22, 2008
2. Originally planned to follow a 10 mile course
3. Route will now follow a path in and around the city's main stadium
4. Shortened over security concerns
5. Anti-Chinese riots broke out in Jakarta in 1998