Indonesia’s nationwide protests escalate into violent backlash against elite rule
The protests are the biggest and most violent of President Prabowo’s presidency, a key test for the ex-general less than a year into his rule
Indonesia’s wave of unrest intensified over the weekend with looting, arson and deadly violence reported in multiple cities, as President Prabowo Subianto moved to ease tensions by pledging to revoke lawmakers’ perks.
In a televised address on Sunday, he said political parties had struck a deal to cut housing allowances and suspend overseas work trips for members of parliament – a rare concession in response to mounting public anger.
While the situation in parts of Jakarta appeared calmer by nightfall, analysts said the demonstrations were a sign of deeper frustrations that could be difficult to contain.
Protests escalated on Sunday with reports of looting at the homes of the finance minister and several lawmakers, as a fire started by protesters at a council building killed at least three people.
Anger towards lawmakers, accused of being oblivious to the struggles of common folk, snowballed into widespread violence after a delivery driver was fatally hit by a police tactical vehicle deployed to deal with protesters earlier decrying low wages and financial perks for legislators.
Southeast Asia’s largest economy is now grappling with unrest across major cities, including the capital Jakarta, marking the biggest challenge so far for Prabowo’s presidency less than a year into the former general’s rule.
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Protests turn deadly in Indonesia sparked by opposition to lawmakers’ ‘excessive’ pay