The blasts happened outside the Sarinah shopping centre, near the presidential palace and UN offices, say reports.
A UN official near the scene, Jeremy Douglas, told the BBC that gunfire was ongoing.
Police have said they believe this is a bomb attack. There is no indication yet of who might be behind the assault.
Indonesia has been attacked by Islamist militant groups in the past.The area around the blast site has been cordoned off. National police spokesman told AFP people had been warned to stay indoors in case of further explosions.
