As soldiers crisscrossed the Indonesian capital Jakarta on Monday in a highly unusual scene ahead of more protests over lavish perks for lawmakers, many residents were staying clear.

In Glodok, known as Jakarta's Chinatown, Putri Amelia was pouring coffee for the few customers who came to her shop, but closing her doors early to not be caught in any unrest.

"I'm a bit scared, because I'm a woman and I'm afraid if I come home in the night there will be a riot," the 21-year-old told AFP.

"There is still the feeling of insecurity because there are a lot of rumours about shops being looted."

The megalopolis' usually traffic-jammed roads were relatively quiet for once on Monday -- a reminder that many in the city do not want to get caught in more deadly unrest after the death of 21-year-old

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