Prabowo Authorizes Security Crackdown Amidst Indonesia Protests, Housing Allowance Reversed
JAKARTA – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has directed security forces to take decisive action against ongoing unrest gripping cities across the nation, while simultaneously announcing the cancellation of a planned increase to housing allowances for lawmakers – a key demand of protesters. The move, announced Sunday, comes as the death toll from days of violent demonstrations climbs to seven, according to reports.
The protests initially erupted in response to the proposed housing allowance increase, viewed by many as insensitive given the country’s economic challenges. While legislators have now agreed to reverse the decision, analysts caution that deeper, underlying issues fueling the unrest remain unaddressed.
Subianto’s order to security forces signals a shift towards a firmer response to the escalating violence. Images circulating Sunday showed armored vehicles patrolling central Jakarta. The president has not detailed the specific measures authorized, but the directive suggests a crackdown on demonstrations is underway.
The situation highlights ongoing economic and political tensions within Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous nation. While the reversal of the housing allowance increase represents a concession to protesters, the long-term stability of the government may depend on addressing the broader grievances driving the demonstrations.
