Protests Turn Violent in Indonesia
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — A furious crowd ignited a fire at a local parliament building in Makassar, South Sulawesi, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals and five others requiring hospitalization, according to officials.
The fire started late Friday, with television footage displaying the provincial council building engulfed in flames, casting a haunting orange glow over the area. Rescuers discovered three bodies the following morning, while five people suffered burns or fractures after jumping from the building, as reported by local disaster official Fadli Tahar.
In Bandung, West Java, protesters also set a regional parliament ablaze, although no casualties were reported. In Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest city, demonstrators stormed the regional police headquarters, destroying fences and setting vehicles on fire. Security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons, while protesters retaliated using fireworks and wooden clubs.
Foreign embassies in Jakarta, including those from the U.S. and Australia, have advised citizens to steer clear of protest areas or large gatherings amid rising tensions.
Government Response and Ongoing Protests
Calm began to return to Jakarta on Saturday as authorities worked to clear away the debris from burned vehicles and public facilities. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto canceled a planned visit to China due to escalating nationwide protests, a decision made with careful consideration of maintaining diplomatic relations, stated Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi.
Protests have transformed into violent riots in multiple regions, with officials indicating these events can no longer be deemed freedom of expression. National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo announced plans for immediate action to restore order.
The protests, which ignited earlier in the week in Jakarta, were sparked by reports that all 580 lawmakers receive a substantial monthly housing allowance, far exceeding the local minimum wage. Critics labeled the allowance excessive and tone-deaf, especially as many citizens struggle with rising living costs and unemployment.
Tragic Incident Raises Tensions
The situation intensified following the death of a 21-year-old ride-hailing driver, Affan Kurniawan, during a rally in Jakarta. Eyewitnesses claimed he was struck and killed by an armored police vehicle while delivering food. This incident led to nationwide outrage and calls for justice.
In Bali, hundreds of drivers and students conducted a solidarity march, denouncing Kurniawan’s death and demanding police reform. Riot police responded with tear gas as confrontations erupted in cities across Indonesia, leading to numerous injuries and arrests.
As of Thursday, approximately 950 individuals had been detained during the protests in Jakarta alone, with reports indicating significant injuries among both protesters and police. The National Commission on Human Rights expressed concerns that the number of injured civilians was likely much higher.
