Six deaths, cancelled state trip, and mass checkpoints mark Indonesia’s worst unrest in years
Indonesia is facing its deadliest protests in years, as demonstrations over lawmakers’ perks and worsening economic hardship spiraled into violent clashes, leaving six dead and prompting President Prabowo Subianto to reverse course on the controversial measures.
Protests Sparked by Lawmaker Benefits
What began last week as peaceful demonstrations over financial perks for lawmakers quickly turned into nationwide unrest. Anger intensified on August 28 when footage showed a paramilitary police vehicle running over 21-year-old delivery driver Affan Kurniawan, fueling widespread outrage.
Deadly Toll and Widening Unrest
At least six people have been killed so far. Three died in a council building fire started by protesters in Makassar, while another victim there was beaten to death on suspicion of being an intelligence officer. In Yogyakarta, Amikom University confirmed the death of student Rheza Sendy Pratama during the protests, though details remain unclear.
Escalation Across Major Cities
Demonstrations have spread far beyond Jakarta, hitting Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Medan. Authorities have set up checkpoints across the capital and deployed snipers, armoured vehicles, and motorbike convoys around Parliament in a show of force. Schools and universities in Jakarta shifted to online learning until at least September 2, while civil servants were ordered to work from home.
Government Under Pressure
The unrest has forced President Prabowo to cancel a planned trip to China, where he was due to attend a World War II commemoration parade. Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin vowed “firm action” against rioters and looters, after the homes of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and several lawmakers were ransacked.
Social Media Limits Amid Crisis
In response to the escalating situation, TikTok temporarily suspended its live-streaming feature in Indonesia on August 30, citing safety concerns. The platform has more than 100 million users in the country, many of whom have used it to share protest updates.
The protests mark the biggest challenge yet for Prabowo, less than a year into his presidency. Beyond policy reversals, the unrest reflects deeper frustrations over economic inequality, accountability, and security force conduct—issues that resonate widely across Indonesia’s vast archipelago.
Sources: Malay Mail (2025) , Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: Indonesia Protests, Prabowo Subianto, Lawmaker Perks, Jakarta Unrest, Deadly Demonstrations, Security Clampdown
