What we know:
- Several explosions reported in Indonesian capital
- Gunfire heard following explosions
- At least six people feared dead
Andreas Harsono, an Indonesian researcher with Human Rights Watch, says the area targeted in today's attacks is known as a place where many foreign nationals work and socialise.
At least six people were killed when seven explosions went off in the Indonesian capital city. Three of the dead are believed to be policeman.
Initial explosions were reported at a Starbucks café near the Sarinah mall in Jakarta.
"The Sarinah building is located in a busy intersection in Jakarta," Mr Harsono told SBS.
"It is only two blocks away from the American embassy and it is one building away from the French embassy."
"In front of that building, at that intersection, there is the UN building so you can imagine that this particular Starbucks is frequently visited by American diplomats, French diplomats and many other diplomats including UN officials."
Since the attacks, Starbucks has said it will close all its outlets in Jakarta until further notice.
Mr Harsono said there were many other popular food chains and hotels in the area.
"At that particular intersection you can see Starbucks, next to it Burger King. Across the street is McDonald's. In front of it is Holiday Inn Hotel. The Grand Hyatt is one block away and the Palace is one kilometre away."
He said residents had been ordered to stay indoors following the attacks and the streets were now empty.
"Jakarta city is notoriously jammed. Today I can drive freely in Jakarta without hardly any stopping," he said.
Indonesian president Joko Widodo today condemned the attacks.
"I certainly convey deep condolences to the victims of this explosion," he said in a statement.
"Let's give the police a chance to investigate and track the perpetrator and mastermind of this terror.
"Whatever the motive is, we condemn the act of terror that has disturbed the public's peace."
Indonesia has been on edge in recent weeks over the threat posed by Islamist militants and counter-terrorism police have launched a crackdown on people with suspected links to Islamic State.
"We have previously received a threat from Islamic State that Indonesia will be the spotlight," police spokesman Anton Charliyan told reporters. But he said police did not know who was responsible.
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