The Mandailing cultural controversy worsened in Jakarta today, with several sections of the Malaysia Hall building there damaged by large stones hurled by about 50 rioters.

Non-governmental organisation, Pancasila Youths, who earlier torched the Malaysian flag and hurled eggs in the compound of the Malaysian Embassy in Kuningan after Friday prayers, headed for Malaysia Hall in Jalan Hos Cokroaminoto, Menteng, and began acting more violently.

At Malaysia Hall, they attacked a security personnel who sustained slight injuries, threw large stones and pieces of wood which shattered the warden's windows, apart from damaging the main gate and messing up the windows by hurling eggs.

The stones thrown by the rioters also damaged the front roof of Malaysia Hall.

Education Malaysia director Associate Prof Dr Juzhar Jusoh said the incident at Malaysia Hall took place at 1.45pm.

Following the attack, Jakarta's Malaysia Hall Security personnel Bambang Sukrisno lodged a police report.

In the demonstration in front of the Malaysian Embassy, the Pancasila Youths, joined by other students, protested against Malaysia's move to recognise the Tor-tor dance and the striking of the Gordaang Sembilan as one of the branches of Malaysian national heritage.

- Bernama