JAKARTA, Indonesia, has entered a period of unrest after more than a week of widespread protests against the government, the most serious turmoil in the country in years. What began as rallies over economic hardship quickly grew into a larger protest against police violence, leaving at least eight people dead and hundreds injured.
Authorities are under pressure to regain control, and President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership is in the spotlight. Neighbouring ASEAN countries are following the events closely.
The protests were led by the All-Indonesian Students’ Union (BEM SI) and other student groups. Demonstrations took place in Indonesia’s main cities in response to changes made to the Military Law in March. The amendments increased the military’s influence in civilian matters, reviving fears of Suharto-era authoritarianism.
What started as pushback against militarism soon drew in other frustrations. Protesters rallied against rising unemployment, the cost of living, and lawmakers receiving large perks, including a housing benefit of 50 million rupiah (about $3,075), which dwarfs Jakarta’s minimum wage.
A third surge in protests began in August, this time sparked by a planned increase of 250% in land and building taxes in Pati Regency, Central Java. On 25 August, thousands of students, workers, and activists flooded Jakarta’s parliament area, outraged at politicians’ benefits.
Branded “Gelap Indonesia” (Dark Indonesia), the movement picked up pace. Protesters waved black flags, and in some marches, waved flags from the anime series One Piece as a playful symbol of defiance.
Indonesia Protest Casualties
A turning point came on 28 August when Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, died after being struck by a police armoured vehicle during a clash outside parliament. Kurniawan was making a food delivery and was not involved in the protest.
His death became a clear example of police overreach and prompted outrage across the country. At Kurniawan’s funeral, thousands gathered, including drivers, activists, and public figures such as former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan.
Tensions rose further as violence spread. In Makassar, South Sulawesi, three people died when protesters set fire to the provincial parliament building, and some were trapped inside. In Yogyakarta, a university student lost their life after confrontations with riot police. Another man was beaten to death by a group who thought he was a police informant.
According to the Jakarta health office, 469 people were hurt, with 97 hospitalized and 43 needing care at a police hospital. Injuries ranged from tear gas exposure to fractures and head wounds.
Another motorcycle driver, Moh Umar Amarudin, suffered serious injuries in the same incident that killed Kurniawan. He is still in intensive care. Indonesia’s Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) said police had acted with excessive force, reporting the use of water cannons, tear gas, and the arrest of over 600 people, many of whom were teenagers.
Government Response
President Prabowo Subianto, who took office in October 2024, is facing a major test early in his term. On 31 August, surrounded by political party leaders, he announced that lawmakers’ housing perks would be cut and overseas trips suspended.
Many student leaders, including Muzammil Ihsan from BEM SI, criticized the steps as shallow, saying they ignore bigger problems like political dynasties and economic gaps.
The president has appealed for peace and promised a full investigation into Kurniawan’s death, along with government support for his family. He visited injured demonstrators and police on 1 September. Some of his remarks, though, have sparked debate.
By referring to certain protests as “treason” and “terrorism,” he ordered military and police to respond firmly, which has alarmed human rights watchers, including Amnesty International. Critics say authorities are not addressing root problems and are instead focusing on a crackdown.
The police have come under fire for their forceful approach. On 29 August, seven Satbrimob officers were suspended after being blamed for breaching ethical codes in Kurniawan’s case. An investigation continues.
The National Police Chief, Listyo Sigit Prabowo, has apologized, but public anger remains high. Protesters have damaged police facilities and set fire to several sites in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung.
Law enforcement has responded with riot control tactics, mass arrests, and blockades around parliament from 1 September onwards. Alleged attacks on journalists triggered further criticism, with the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) urging independent checks on police behaviour.
ASEAN Responses
Neighbouring countries in the ASEAN group have expressed unease about Indonesia’s situation. Singapore’s embassy in Jakarta advised citizens to stay away from protest areas and large gatherings.
APHR, led by parliamentarians from Indonesia and Malaysia, strongly condemned the harsh police response, calling it a threat to democracy. The group called for changes to protect citizens’ rights and hold security forces accountable. So far, other governments have been cautious, with no official comments as of 2 September.
Although demonstrations paused on 1 September out of fear of a harsher crackdown, there is still bitter resentment throughout Indonesia. Protesters continue to demand real reforms, such as better wages, fairer taxes, and stronger policies against corruption.
President Prabowo has delayed overseas engagements to concentrate on the crisis at home. The coming weeks will reveal whether his administration can satisfy public demand while restoring calm. Indonesia’s fragile gains in democracy are under the microscope as international observers keep watch.
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