Jakarta has become the epicenter of a growing wave of protests across Indonesia, as public outrage over financial privileges for lawmakers has erupted into deadly clashes with security forces. What began as peaceful demonstrations against a controversial housing allowance for parliamentarians has spiraled into the worst unrest since President Prabowo Subianto took office, with at least six fatalities reported and security measures intensifying across the archipelago.
Spark of Anger: Lawmaker Allowances Fuel Public Discontent
The protests, which started five days ago in the capital, were ignited by revelations that all 580 Indonesian lawmakers receive a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (~US$3,075), in addition to their salaries. Introduced in 2024, this allowance is nearly ten times the minimum wage in Jakarta, a disparity that has struck a raw nerve amid soaring living costs, rising taxes, and persistent unemployment. For many Indonesians, the perk symbolizes a growing disconnect between the political elite and the struggles of ordinary citizens.
As economic hardship grips the nation, the allowance has been widely criticized as excessive and ill-timed. Demonstrators, initially gathered in Jakarta, voiced a collective frustration over policies perceived as prioritizing the powerful over the public. The protests quickly spread to other major cities, including Yogyakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya on the island of Java, and Medan in North Sumatra, reflecting a broader national discontent. 
Violence Erupts: A Tragic Turning Point
The demonstrations took a tragic turn late on Thursday when a 21-year-old ride-hailing driver, Affan Kurniawan, was killed during a rally in Jakarta. Footage circulating on social media, which shocked the nation, appears to show a militarized vehicle from the National Police’s mobile brigade unit striking Kurniawan as he was completing a food delivery order near the protest site. Witnesses reported to local media that the vehicle sped through the crowd, hitting Kurniawan and causing him to fall, before allegedly running over him without stopping.
The incident has fueled an outcry against the security forces, with many accusing the police of excessive force. The death of Kurniawan became a rallying cry, transforming the protests from a focused critique of economic policy into a broader condemnation of state violence. In the days following, clashes between demonstrators and police intensified, resulting in at least six deaths across the country.
In the eastern city of Makassar, three people perished after protesters set fire to a council building on Friday. Another individual in Makassar was fatally beaten by a mob on suspicion of being an intelligence officer, according to Muhammad Fadli Tahar, a local disaster agency official, speaking to international media on Sunday. In Yogyakarta, Amikom Yogyakarta University confirmed the death of student Rheza Sendy Pratama during the protests, though the exact circumstances remain unclear.
Government Response: Security Crackdown and Political Reversal
In response to the escalating unrest, Indonesian authorities have significantly tightened security measures. Police established checkpoints across Jakarta on Monday, with a spokesperson stating to regional media that officers were patrolling to protect citizens and provide a sense of security. Late on Sunday, a convoy of armored cars and motorbikes was deployed to parliament in a visible show of force aimed at deterring further protests.
President Prabowo Subianto, facing the most significant challenge of his tenure, has been forced to reconsider the controversial allowance policy that sparked the unrest. While reiterating his government’s respect for freedom of expression as enshrined in Indonesia’s constitution, Prabowo condemned the violence, warning that demonstrations turning anarchic and endangering lives or public facilities constitute a serious legal violation.
“I sincerely ask all citizens to trust the government and remain calm” Prabowo stated, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to the interests of the people and the nation. He cautioned that violent acts risked veering into treason or terrorism and urged the public to express their aspirations peacefully.
Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, a close ally of Prabowo, echoed this hardline stance on Sunday, warning that the military and police would take firm action against rioters and looters. His comments followed reports of the finance minister’s house being pillaged, underscoring the growing chaos. The severity of the situation also led Prabowo to cancel a planned trip to China for a military parade commemorating the end of World War II.
Broader Implications: A Nation on Edge
The protests mark a critical moment for Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago nation of over 270 million people, where economic inequality and political tensions have long simmered beneath the surface. The rapid spread of demonstrations from Jakarta to other urban centers highlights the depth of public frustration, not only with specific policies but with broader governance issues. The violent turn of events, particularly the deaths of civilians, has raised urgent questions about the state’s handling of dissent and the role of security forces in maintaining order.
Analysts suggest that the unrest could have lasting political consequences for Prabowo’s administration. Elected on a platform of stability and national strength, the former general now faces criticism for his government’s response to both the economic grievances and the subsequent violence. The reversal on the lawmaker allowance policy may be seen as a concession, but it risks being perceived as too little, too late, by a public already galvanized by tragedy and anger.
Moreover, the temporary suspension of TikTok’s live feature in Indonesia, announced on Saturday, points to the government’s concern over the role of social media in amplifying the protests. With over 100 million users in the country, the platform has been a key tool for organizing demonstrations and sharing footage of alleged police brutality, such as the video of Kurniawan’s death. The suspension, described as lasting a few days, reflects an attempt to curb the rapid spread of information—and outrage—across the digital sphere.
Public Sentiment and the Path Ahead
As more gatherings of students and protesters are planned in various locations across Indonesia on Monday, the nation remains on edge. The government’s dual approach of security crackdowns and calls for calm has yet to quell the unrest, with many citizens demanding accountability for the deaths and a more substantive response to economic inequality.
For families like that of Affan Kurniawan, the protests have become deeply personal. His death, captured in a harrowing video, has come to symbolize the human cost of systemic issues, from economic disparity to state violence. In cities like Yogyakarta and Makassar, the loss of young lives—students and workers alike—has only deepened the resolve of demonstrators.
The coming days will test the resilience of both the Indonesian public and Prabowo’s administration. With security forces on high alert and checkpoints dotting Jakarta, the potential for further clashes looms large. Yet, amidst the tension, there is also a call for dialogue—a hope that the government will not only hear the voices of its people but act decisively to address their grievances.
As Indonesia navigates this turbulent chapter, the balance between maintaining order and respecting democratic expression remains precarious. The path forward is uncertain, but the stakes—for both the government and its citizens—could not be higher.
