Nationwide Protests Erupt in Indonesia, Death Toll Rises

Indonesia is facing its most serious unrest in years after protests over economic grievances turned violent, leaving six people dead and sparking nationwide demonstrations.

Protests Turn Deadly

What began as peaceful rallies over lawmakers’ financial perks quickly escalated last week. Tensions exploded after footage surfaced showing a paramilitary police unit running over 21-year-old delivery driver Affan Kurniawan in Jakarta. Since then, anger has spread beyond the capital into major cities like Yogyakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, and Medan.

Security Crackdown in Jakarta

On Monday, police set up checkpoints and stepped up patrols across Jakarta, deploying armored vehicles around parliament as a warning to demonstrators. Authorities say the increased presence is to “protect” citizens, though it’s clear they’re preparing for more unrest.

Rising Toll

The violence has left multiple victims across the country. Three people were killed in Makassar after protesters set fire to a council building, while another man died after being beaten on suspicion of being an intelligence officer. In Yogyakarta, Amikom University confirmed the death of student Rheza Sendy Pratama during protests, though details remain unclear.

@independent

An angry mob set fire to a local parliament building in an Indonesian provincial capital, leaving at least three people dead and five others hospitalized, officials said. The blaze in Makassar, the capital city of South Sulawesi province, began late Friday. Television reports showed the provincial council building ablaze overnight, causing the area to turn an eerie orange color. Rescuers retrieved three bodies by Saturday morning, while five people were hospitalized with burns or with broken bones after jumping from the building, said Fadli Tahar, a local disaster official.

♬ original sound - Independent

Government on Alert

President Prabowo Subianto has been forced to reverse course on controversial perks for lawmakers and cancel a scheduled trip to China. His defense minister has warned of “firm action” against rioters, signaling the government’s hard stance as the crisis deepens.

Digital Platforms Respond

Even TikTok stepped in, temporarily suspending its live-streaming feature in Indonesia—where it has more than 100 million users—fearing the platform could fuel further unrest.

@almahello For 4 days straight, Jakarta has been filled with protests againts corruption, rising taxes and inequality. Social and Mass Media here is being censored. If you're outside Indonesia, we need your voice. Amplify our frustration and don't let them silence us. #1312 ♬ original sound - Alma Al Farisi

Why are antigovernment protests taking place in Indonesia?

The protests were sparked by growing public frustration over rising living costs, new taxes, and high unemployment. Demonstrators point to soaring inflation, which has outpaced wages, making it harder for ordinary Indonesians to afford daily necessities. At the same time, reports revealed that parliamentarians are receiving housing allowances of 50 million rupiah ($3,000) per month, on top of their salaries—an amount nearly 10 times the minimum wage in Jakarta and about 20 times higher than wages in poorer regions.

This has fueled anger at what many see as corruption and inequality within the government. Allegations of police violence and misuse of power have further intensified the unrest, with protesters demanding wage adjustments, fairer taxation, and accountability from political elites.

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