Indonesian Students Continue Protests Despite Crackdown and Deadly Riots

Hundreds of students protested in multiple Indonesian cities over lawmakers’ excessive perks, following deadly weekend riots. The unrest spread after a delivery driver was run over by police, prompting President Prabowo Subianto to revoke some benefits and cancel a summit trip. Security was tightened in Jakarta, and the protests briefly affected financial markets.

Hundreds of students gathered across various cities in Indonesia on Monday, defying fears of a government crackdown following deadly riots over the weekend that claimed the lives of eight people. The violence, which erupted during widespread protests, was the worst the country has witnessed in more than two decades, leaving many citizens shocked and concerned about further unrest.

In the capital, Jakarta, at least 500 people assembled outside the Indonesian parliament on Monday afternoon. Dozens of police officers closely monitored the proceedings to maintain order, while soldiers were initially present but left the scene after several hours. The protests in Jakarta were marked by a mix of peaceful demonstrations and tense moments, reflecting both frustration and caution among the crowd.

Similar demonstrations took place in other parts of the country. Thousands of people gathered in Palembang on Sumatra island to voice their discontent, while hundreds more protested in Banjarmasin on Borneo island, Yogyakarta on the main island of Java, and Makassar on Sulawesi island. The coordinated nature of these protests highlights the widespread dissatisfaction among Indonesians across the nation.

The unrest was initially sparked a week ago when the government introduced enhanced perks for lawmakers, including housing allowances nearly ten times higher than the minimum wage. These measures provoked outrage among the public, prompting citizens to take to the streets in large numbers. The protests quickly gained momentum, forcing President Prabowo Subianto and parliamentary leaders to reverse the controversial benefits amid mounting public pressure.

While the protests began peacefully, tensions escalated after a shocking incident involving the country’s elite paramilitary police unit. Footage emerged showing a team running over 21-year-old delivery driver Affan Kurniawan late on Thursday, triggering anger and further confrontations between protesters and the authorities. This incident accelerated the spread of unrest from Jakarta to other major cities across Indonesia, as more citizens joined demonstrations to express their dissatisfaction with both government policies and law enforcement actions.

In response to the crisis, President Subianto revoked some of the perks previously granted to lawmakers and canceled his planned attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in China. The president’s decisions were aimed at calming public outrage and preventing further escalation of tensions, but demonstrations continued as citizens remained wary of government actions.

Authorities in Jakarta implemented extensive security measures on Monday. Police set up checkpoints throughout the city, while officers and military personnel conducted city-wide patrols. Snipers were deployed in key locations to deter violent confrontations, and large numbers of law enforcement officers remained on standby to respond to any potential disturbances.

The protests have also had a tangible impact on the country’s economy. Indonesia’s stock market fell more than three percent in opening trades on Monday as investors reacted to the unrest, although it later regained some ground. Financial analysts warned that continued demonstrations could further affect investor confidence and economic stability if the unrest persists.

The demonstrations across Indonesia reflect a growing tension between citizens and the government, highlighting public frustration over perceived inequality and the handling of national resources. As protests continue to unfold, the situation remains closely monitored by both domestic authorities and the international community, with concerns over further escalation and potential political consequences for the country.