Background
Indonesia has seen some of its worst violence in decades, posing the toughest test yet for President Prabowo Subianto just 10 months into his presidency.
What Happened
Protests began on August 25 over reports of large parliamentary allowances, spreading to 32 of Indonesia’s 38 provinces. Demonstrations turned violent, with parliament buildings set ablaze and at least eight people killed. A key flashpoint was the August 28 death of a motorcycle taxi driver struck by a police vehicle. Over 1,200 people have been detained in Jakarta.
Why It Matters
The unrest highlights public anger over inequality, government spending priorities, and police brutality. Prabowo’s response is seen as crucial to maintaining stability in Southeast Asia’s largest economy and democracy.
Stakeholder Reactions
Prabowo scrapped perks for lawmakers and froze overseas travel but vowed to act firmly against “mob violence.”
Human Rights Watch criticized authorities for treating protests as “treason or terrorism.”
Lawmakers faced backlash, including doxxing and looting of homes. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati was targeted by a deep-fake video that went viral.
What’s Driving the Anger
Parliamentarians’ pay and allowances, seen as excessive compared to ordinary incomes.
Cuts in regional budgets while defence and a school meals programme received sharp funding increases.
Heavy-handed police tactics, including tear gas and rubber bullets.
What’s Next
Prabowo’s handling of the crisis could determine how long protests last and whether unrest resurfaces during his term. Indonesia’s student movements have historically been powerful political actors, playing a key role in the 1998 fall of Suharto, an event Prabowo witnessed firsthand as a military commander.
with information from Reuters
