Indonesia Protests: Students Defy Crackdown as Unrest Spreads Following Deadly Riots
Jakarta, Indonesia – Hundreds of students across Indonesia took to the streets Monday, demonstrating resilience in the face of potential government crackdown following a weekend of violent protests that left eight people dead – the worst unrest the nation has seen in over two decades. The demonstrations signal continued public anger over controversial government policies and alleged police brutality.
At least 500 protesters gathered outside the Indonesian parliament in Jakarta, closely monitored by a meaningful police presence. Soldiers were initially deployed but withdrew after several hours. Similar protests erupted in Palembang (Sumatra), Banjarmasin (Borneo), Yogyakarta (Java), and Makassar (Sulawesi), according to reports from the AFP news agency.
what Fueled the Outrage?
The initial spark for the unrest was the government’s recent decision to increase perks for lawmakers, including housing allowances nearly ten times the minimum wage in jakarta. This move ignited public fury, perceived as a blatant disregard for the economic struggles of ordinary citizens.
However, the protests escalated dramatically after footage emerged appearing to show an Indonesian paramilitary police unit running over 21-year-old delivery driver Affan Kurniawan on Thursday. This incident fueled accusations of police brutality and triggered widespread violence.
Government Response & market Impact
Facing mounting pressure, President Prabowo subianto has as revoked some of the controversial perks for lawmakers and cancelled his planned attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Association (SCO) summit in China to address the crisis domestically.
Authorities have responded with a visible show of force,establishing checkpoints across Jakarta and deploying police and military personnel for city-wide patrols,including the strategic placement of snipers in key locations.
The unrest has also impacted financial markets, with the Indonesian stock market experiencing a more than 3% drop in opening trades on Monday before partially recovering.
Looking Ahead
The continued protests demonstrate a deep-seated frustration with the Indonesian government and a demand for accountability. The situation remains volatile, and the coming