Tens of thousands of Indonesians have poured into the streets in a wave of nationwide protests triggered by the death of a young motorcycle taxi driver and deepening anger over inequality, government corruption, and economic hardship.
The unrest, which began earlier this week in Jakarta, has now spread to at least a dozen provinces, including West Java, Central Java, West Nusa Tenggara, and Sulawesi. In several regions, demonstrators have set fire to local parliament buildings and clashed with police, prompting President Prabowo Subianto’s government to call for calm while vowing to investigate the events.
On August 28, 21-year-old ride-hailing driver Affan Kurniawan was struck and killed by an armored police vehicle during a demonstration in Jakarta. The footage of the incident, widely shared on social media, sparked public outrage and quickly became a symbol of what many see as unchecked police force and state arrogance.
The protests that followed initially focused on members of parliament receiving 50 million rupiah ($3,075) per month in housing allowances—nearly ten times the Jakarta minimum wage. But grievances quickly broadened to include rising taxes, mass layoffs, inflation, and military influence in politics.
By August 30, the protests had turned deadly. In Makassar, demonstrators stormed a government building, setting it ablaze. At least three people died, with several others injured, according to local reports.
In West Nusa Tenggara, Pekalongan, and Cirebon, regional government offices were also torched. In some cities, protesters looted government property. In Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and other urban centers, police fired tear gas to disperse crowds as public transportation was halted and businesses closed down early.
President Prabowo Subianto urged protesters to remain peaceful and promised a full investigation into Kurniawan’s death. His administration also condemned the arson attacks and warned of legal consequences for those involved in the violence.
In a separate development, TikTok temporarily disabled its live-streaming feature in Indonesia, citing safety concerns and an effort to reduce misinformation and escalation during the protests.
Indonesia is the world’s third-largest democracy and a key player in the Indo-Pacific region. The scale and intensity of the current protests reflect not only domestic discontent but also broader global frustrations—economic instability, distrust in institutions, and demands for accountability.
