1/ Indonesia is facing unrest after outrage over lavish housing allowances for politicians (about $3,000/month), nearly 10× the average wage.
2/ Anger grew after an ojek (motorbike taxi) driver, Affan Kurniawan, was killed by a police armored vehicle during protests in Jakarta.
3/ Protests spread fast—Jakarta, Makassar, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Medan, Bandung, even Papua. Some parliament & council buildings were set on fire.
4/ At least 3–5 people have died. Others were injured, some trapped in fires or harmed in clashes.
5/ President Prabowo Subianto:
– Called for calm
– Promised a transparent investigation
– Revoked some perks for lawmakers
– Canceled a China trip to handle the crisis.
6/ Concerns are rising over the military’s bigger role in civilian life. Prabowo has expanded the role of the TNI (Indonesia’s armed forces), raising fears of a return to “dwifungsi” (a Suharto-era system where the military had both defense + political powers).
7/ Markets dropped & the rupiah weakened. Experts warn this unrest could test reforms and deepen political instability.
Indonesia is in crisis: outrage over perks + police violence has sparked deadly protests, political tension, and fears of authoritarian drift.
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with Our Indonesian Brothers and Sisters in these Tough Times.
(Muhammad Abdullah)
0 Comments