Flood waters continue to plague Jakarta

Parts of Jakarta remain flooded on Friday (January 18) as authorities start the cleanup process.

Floods paralyzed the Indonesian capital on Thursday bringing the city of 12.5 million to a near standstill with offices, shops and schools forced to close.

Torrential rain was reported across much of the country, including the main island of Java and Southern Sumatra.

The city's main airport was open but many roads leading to it were reportedly blocked. Most commuter trains and buses were suspended.

Chronic flooding, mostly caused by clogged water ducts and poor drainage, hits Jakarta and other areas of the vast archipelago every year during the wet season, from October to February.