JAKARTA, INDONESIA – September 8, 2025
Widespread and violent protests have erupted across Indonesia, fueled by mounting economic frustrations and public anger over perceived government indifference. The unrest, which began in late August, has been described as the most significant challenge to President Prabowo Subianto’s administration since he took office.
Headline Points
* Public Outrage: The protests were initially triggered by a controversial decision to grant a housing allowance of approximately $3,000 USD to members of parliament, a sum that is nearly ten times the minimum wage in Jakarta. This perk ignited public rage amid a deepening cost-of-living crisis, rising taxes, and mass layoffs.
* A Symbol of Indifference: Tensions dramatically escalated following the death of Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, who was fatally run over by a police vehicle during a demonstration on August 28. His death became a rallying cry against police brutality and government apathy, drawing a wider coalition of students, labor unions, and gig economy workers to the streets.
* Widespread Unrest: The demonstrations have spread to over 110 cities across the archipelago, including major hubs like Bandung, Surabaya, and Makassar. Clashes between protesters and police have turned violent, leading to arson attacks on government buildings and looting of private residences.
* Government Response: In a bid to quell the unrest, President Prabowo announced a plan to cut the controversial housing allowance. However, he also labeled the violence as “treason” and “terrorism,” deploying thousands of military personnel to support police and arresting more than 3,000 people. This has raised concerns about a potential expansion of the military’s role in civil affairs.
* Economic Toll: The Ministry of Public Works has estimated the infrastructure damage from the protests to be nearly Rp900 billion (USD$53 million), with East Java suffering the worst losses.
The protests represent a complex mix of long-simmering economic discontent and a dramatic loss of public trust. As the situation remains volatile, the government faces the challenge of addressing the deep-seated grievances of its citizens while attempting to restore order.
