Jakarta – Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday condemned recent protests over economic disparities, claiming that specific actions taken during these demonstrations could be classified as treason and terrorism, reports 24brussels.
Protests erupted across major cities in Indonesia following the death of motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan, who was fatally hit by a police vehicle during a demonstration on Thursday against legislators’ financial privileges.
What damage and looting occurred during the violent demonstrations?
On Saturday, demonstrators set fires at regional parliament buildings in three provinces: West Nusa Tenggara, Pekalongan (Central Java), and Cirebon (West Java), according to local media reports.
In Cirebon, protestors looted equipment from a parliamentary office. Police utilized tear gas to disperse crowds in Pekalongan and West Nusa Tenggara. Reports also indicated that the residence of Indonesia’s Minister of Finance was targeted and looted.
How many casualties have occurred to this point?
According to the state news agency Antara, three individuals died from a fire intentionally set at a parliament building in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, on Friday. The victims were trapped within the structure during the blaze.
When did the protests begin, and what were the grievances?
Protests in Indonesia commenced on August 25, 2025, fueled by widespread discontent over perceived excessive perks and housing allowances granted to lawmakers amidst stagnant wages, rising unemployment, and inflation. Tensions escalated rapidly on Thursday when video footage of a police armored vehicle striking the 21-year-old delivery driver, Affan Kurniawan, went viral on social media.
Protests unfolded in Jakarta, where riot police clashed with student demonstrators. It was alleged that Kurniawan was delivering food when an armored police truck ran him over and drove off without offering assistance.
