Hundreds stage protests over Malaysia's arrest on Indonesian officials

Hundreds of people from a number of organizations staged a massive rally at the Malaysian Embassy here on Thursday, protesting Malaysia over the arrest of three Indonesian officials in disputed waters off Riau Island.

More than 180 police were deployed to safeguard the embassy from the protesters who blocked the street in Jakarta's busy business district for several hours.

Besides yelling their protest over the arrest, the protesters were seen to set fire on Malaysian national flags.

Earlier on Wednesday, lawmakers have asked the Indonesian government to take firm diplomatic action against Malaysia, from demanding an apology and freezing bilateral ties to exploring possible military options.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said that the Foreign Ministry had exhausted all diplomatic means to secure the release of the three officers from the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, denouncing the claim that his office had yielded to pressure from the Malaysian government.

Source:Xinhua