( dpa ) - Indonesian authorities on Friday closed Sukarno Hatta airport in Jakarta after a heavy downpour limited visibility and compromised safety, local media reported.
"Up to this afternoon, we have delayed more than 120 flights coming in and out of this airport. If rain continues, there sure will be more flights delayed," Luki, an official with the Sukarno Hatta airport, was quoted as saying by the Jakarta based Detik.com online news portal.
The heavy rain clogged traffic in Jakarta. The downpours also forced Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to switch cars while traveling across the capital toward the state palace.
Some parts of Jakarta were swamped by filthy brown water nearly a metre high, causing traffic jams all over the city.
Indonesia has been pounded by heavy rains since late Thursday. The rains are expected to continue until at least Friday night, weather forecasters said.
