Jakarta. The Foreign Ministry confirmed that no Indonesians participated in France’s violent demonstrations, which saw roughly 550,000 people protest against poor school conditions and rising living costs.

France is witnessing its worst urban violence in years amid protesters' clashes with the police and mass looting. News wire agency AFP reported that police had fired tear gas and stun grenades on the rioters at a Paris square. Police have arrested at least 1,800 people.

Indonesia —  whose some of its young people are studying in the riot-struck country —  is “keeping an eye on the security situation”, according to Foreign Ministry’s citizen protection director Heni Hamidah.

“Our embassy in Paris reported that there was no Indonesian citizen involved in the demonstration. Even so, the protests have affected daily activities, including school schedules, public transport, and traffic,” Heni told the press over the weekend. 

She urged all citizens to avoid crowds and watch out for official notices from local authorities.

“The Paris embassy will monitor the situation following the demonstrations. We will stay in contact with all Indonesians there.” 

Some Indonesians living in France are students, while others are married to locals or work in the country. A Foreign Ministry hotline is available at +33-6-2112-2109 for emergencies.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm and order amid the riots that took place just months before his presidential term ends.

“Those who destroyed property must pay. Those who looted must reimburse. Those who sought to bring down the republic will be held accountable,” Macron said in a televised address on Sunday local time. 

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