Protests Erupt Across Indonesia as Public Outrage Grows Against Leaders

Violent protests erupted across Indonesia on August 29, 2023, triggered by public anger over government insensitivity to economic hardships. The unrest escalated following the death of a motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan, who was killed by a police vehicle during a demonstration against lawmakers’ allowance hikes. Hundreds took to the streets in Jakarta and other cities, targeting police stations and the national parliament building.

The protests signal significant discontent with President Prabowo Subianto and the ruling coalition, composed of 81 percent of the House of Representatives. Analysts warn that failure to address these grievances could jeopardize Prabowo’s administration. His call for an investigation into police actions was perceived as insufficient, with many feeling that more decisive action is necessary to restore public trust.

Violence and Destruction in Jakarta

On Saturday morning, Jakarta residents witnessed the aftermath of the previous day’s chaos. Burned vehicles littered the streets near the Mobile Brigade headquarters, and police posts were reduced to ashes. Graffiti denouncing law enforcement covered the walls of government buildings, reflecting the intense anger felt by demonstrators.

Shortly after the protests began, violence broke out in various regions, including Makassar, South Sulawesi, where three protesters died during clashes with police. Cities such as Surabaya, Bandung, and Yogyakarta also saw unrest, with protesters demanding justice for Affan and condemning police brutality.

Political analysts indicate that the protests have shifted from targeting lawmakers’ allowances to a broader condemnation of police violence. Ambang Priyonggo, a political analyst at Universitas Multimedia Nusantara, noted that the unrest highlights a growing frustration with political elites whose policies do not align with public interests.

Government Response and Future Implications

The increase in lawmakers’ housing allowances to 50 million rupiah (approximately USD 3,075) has sparked outrage amid widespread economic struggles in Indonesia, including layoffs and job scarcity. In response to public outcry, some lawmakers made comments deemed insensitive, further inflaming tensions.

House Speaker Puan Maharani issued an apology following the unrest, acknowledging that the parliament had failed to represent the public adequately. Yet, analysts like Kunto Adi Wibowo from Padjadjaran University argue that her statement came too late and lacked the necessary follow-up actions to address the root causes of the protests.

The Civil Society Coalition, a group of civic organizations, has called for comprehensive police reforms, including the dismissal of National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo. They assert that reform must tackle deeper issues beyond crowd control measures, emphasizing the need for improved public service and meritocracy within the police force.

While the current unrest resembles past movements that led to significant political change in Indonesia, such as the 1998 Reformasi protests that toppled President Suharto, analysts like Ray Rangkuti from the Lingkar Madani think tank believe this wave of protests will not unseat Prabowo. Instead, they view the current demands as focused primarily on police conduct and lawmakers’ compensation.

As the situation remains volatile, the government faces pressure to act decisively. Analysts suggest that Prabowo must not only respond to immediate demands but also initiate broader bureaucratic reforms to alleviate public discontent. The president’s commitment to meaningful change will be crucial in navigating this unrest and maintaining stability in Indonesia.