demonstrations, according to the Indonesian leader, are showing signs of treason and terrorism tendencies.
In a significant development, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has cancelled his planned trip to China next week for a military parade commemorating the end of World War II. The President has decided to stay in the country to monitor the escalating situation caused by widespread protests across major cities, which are shaping up to be the biggest and most violent of his presidency.
The protests, focused on economic conditions and inequality, have spread to cities including Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya in Java, Medan in North Sumatra province, and the island of Lombok. The unrest has led to several incidents, including the looting of the house of Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati overnight, resulting in two deaths at the scene, and a third person passing away in a hospital.
The protests have been sparked by the revelation that lawmakers were receiving a housing allowance nearly ten times higher than the minimum wage in Jakarta. This, coupled with widespread government budget cuts, has fueled public anger, leading to rallies in various cities.
Social media platforms have also been affected by the protests. TikTok temporarily suspended its live feature for a few days in Indonesia, although the organization responsible for the temporary disablement is not explicitly named. Given the context of mass protests in Jakarta and actions taken during such events, it is likely a major social media or communication platform involved in Indonesia, but the exact organization is not specified in the provided information.
President Prabowo has spoken out against the protests, stating that some actions in the rallies amounted to treason and terrorism. He has also pledged an investigation into the killing of motorcycle gig driver Affan Kurniawan and promised to help his family. At the same time, the President emphasized the importance of respecting and protecting the rights to peaceful assembly.
However, the President has also warned that there are signs of actions outside the law and against the law during the protests. Seven officers in a tactical van were detained for further investigation in relation to the death of motorcycle gig driver Affan Kurniawan. If public facilities or private homes are destroyed during the protests, the state must step in to protect its citizens, the President said.
Anger has also spread to lawmakers, with several houses being ransacked. A local council building was burned on the island of Lombok, and a police headquarters website in the eastern Javan city of Surabaya was set on fire. At least three people were killed after a fire started by protesters at a council building in Makassar.
As the situation continues to unfold, President Prabowo has reiterated his commitment to fast, state-driven growth and has pledged to address the root causes of the public discontent. The Indonesian government and law enforcement are working to maintain order and protect its citizens while addressing the concerns of the protesters.
