Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has announced that lawmakers’ perks, including excessive housing allowances, will be revoked in response to widespread protests that have turned violent, resulting in at least five deaths.
The protests, sparked by public outrage over the generous allowances, began on Monday and escalated into riots on Thursday after a motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan, was killed in a police action.
In a press conference at the Presidential Palace, Prabowo emphasized the importance of peaceful protests, while also vowing to take stern action against rioters and looters. “The rights to peaceful assembly should be respected and protected.
But we cannot deny that there are signs of actions outside the law, even against the law, even leaning towards treason and terrorism,” he said. Prabowo has ordered the military and police to crack down on those responsible for the violence.
The protests, which spread across major cities in Indonesia, including Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bandung, Semarang, and Surabaya, were fueled by public frustration over economic inequality, police brutality, and the lavish allowances granted to lawmakers.
The housing allowance, amounting to nearly 10 times the minimum wage in Jakarta, was seen as particularly egregious. “The core problem is insensitivity,” said Ambang Priyonggo, a political analyst at Universitas Multimedia Nusantara. “The government needs to take concrete steps to address the grievances of the people.”
As the situation continues to unfold, Prabowo’s administration faces mounting pressure to implement reforms and address the underlying issues driving the protests.
The president has pledged to investigate the killing of Affan Kurniawan and provide support to his family. Seven officers involved in the incident have been detained for investigation.
The protests have resulted in significant disruptions, with businesses and schools affected, and transportation infrastructure damaged.
In Makassar, a city in eastern Indonesia, three people were killed after protesters set fire to a council building. The government has urged citizens to remain calm and peaceful, while also taking steps to maintain law and order.
Experts warn that the unrest could escalate further if the government fails to address the public’s grievances. “For now, there are no direct demands on the government, but this could trigger a domino effect (if left unresolved),” said Kunto, a researcher at Padjadjaran University.
The protests have also sparked calls for broader police reform, with critics accusing the force of being overly aggressive and unaccountable.
In response to the crisis, the government has announced plans to review and reform the parliamentary perks system.
However, analysts argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the protests, including economic inequality and police brutality.
The demonstrations, which began on August 30, 2025, saw hundreds of participants rally outside police and government buildings in major cities like Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya.
Protesters demanded the revocation of lawmakers’ privileges and called for comprehensive police reforms to prevent future incidents of brutality.
In response to the protests, Prabowo canceled his planned visit to China to monitor the domestic situation. He addressed the nation, announcing the cancellation of lawmakers’ controversial perks and promising to implement reforms to address public grievances. The government has also agreed to create a task force to address mass layoffs and establish a Labor Welfare Council.
The protests resulted in three deaths and multiple injuries in Makassar, where demonstrators stormed and set fire to government buildings.
The incident highlighted the deep-seated tensions within Indonesian society and the need for systemic change. Experts warn that without significant reform, the cycle of protests and violent crackdowns is likely to continue.
Experts emphasize the need for comprehensive reforms addressing both economic inequalities and systemic issues within law enforcement.
Dimas Bagus Arya from the human rights organization KontraS stated, “the masses will always feel disappointed and keep their feeling of revenge towards the police in the future.”
Usman Hamid, Amnesty International Indonesia’s director, pointed out the lack of accountability for human rights violations committed by the police.
Despite Prabowo’s promises, protests are expected to continue, with demonstrators demanding further action.
The government faces the task of balancing the public’s demands with the need for stability and economic growth.
As the situation continues to unfold, it will be essential to monitor the impact on Indonesia’s politics and economy.