Indonesian authorities have significantly increased security in Jakarta after deadly protests, which were sparked by lavish perks for members of parliament, escalated into violent clashes with police. The unrest has resulted in at least six deaths, forcing President Prabowo Subianto to backtrack on the controversial measures.
The protests began last week over a government decision to provide housing allowances to lawmakers that are nearly 10 times the national minimum wage. What started as peaceful demonstrations quickly turned violent after a video went viral showing a police van from an elite paramilitary unit running over a 21-year-old delivery driver, Affan Kurniawan. This incident fueled deep-seated anger against the police force, and the protests have since spread from Jakarta to other major cities across the vast archipelago.
Government Responds to Mounting Pressure
In response to the escalating crisis, authorities have deployed snipers and armored vehicles, set up checkpoints, and conducted city-wide patrols. In Jakarta, schools and universities have switched to online classes, and civil servants are working from home. Despite the heightened security, further rallies are planned, though one group, the Alliance of Indonesian Women, has already canceled its protest due to the heavy police presence.
The government is attempting to quell the unrest. On Sunday, President Prabowo announced a U-turn on the allowances, and parliament has indicated it will revoke some of the perks. However, many believe these measures won’t be enough. As a 60-year-old snack seller named Suwardi told AFP, “We have always been lied to. That’s why people are always angry. Because they never met our demands.” The political instability has also rattled financial markets, with the Indonesian stock index falling more than three percent on Monday.
Fatalities and Investigations Underway
The protests have turned deadly in several locations. In Makassar, a fire started by protesters at a council building killed at least three people. Another man was killed in Makassar after being beaten by a mob who suspected him of being an intelligence officer. The Amikom Yogyakarta University also confirmed the death of one of its students, Rheza Sendy Pratama, though the circumstances of his death are still unclear.
Following the viral video of the police van incident, seven officers were detained for investigation. Agus Wijayanto, head of the National Police’s accountability bureau, stated on Monday that an investigation found “criminal acts” by two officers: the van’s driver and the officer next to him. They face a potential “dishonorable discharge,” with an ethics trial scheduled for Wednesday.
The crisis is considered the most significant challenge to President Prabowo’s rule less than a year into his presidency. It has even forced him to cancel a planned trip to China. Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has warned that security forces will take “firm action” against “rioters and looters” after reports of several lawmakers’ houses being ransacked.
In an effort to control the spread of information and organization of protests, TikTok suspended its live feature in Indonesia for a “few days.”