Indonesia is facing its worst political unrest in years as violent protests erupt across the nation, triggered by public outrage over lawmakers’ luxury housing perks. While the government has temporarily calmed the situation through military and police crackdowns, widespread economic frustration and political discontent continue to fuel anger on the streets.
Protests and Clashes in Jakarta and Beyond
At the heart of the unrest is a controversial decision granting lawmakers a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,000) — over 10 times the national minimum wage. Students, labor unions, and civil society groups argue that the lavish perks highlight corruption, inequality, and government insensitivity at a time when inflation, rising living costs, and low wages are straining ordinary citizens.
The protests, which began peacefully on August 25, 2025, in Jakarta, escalated into violent clashes after a police armored vehicle killed a rideshare driver, Affan Kurniawan. The incident sparked nationwide outrage, leading to riots, looting, and arson targeting government buildings and lawmakers’ residences.
At least eight people were killed and over 3,000 protesters arrested, including more than 1,200 in Jakarta, according to police reports. The Indonesian government imposed strict security measures, with military troops deployed near the presidential palace.
Daniel Winarta of the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta) said, “People’s purchasing power is collapsing, but our parliamentary representatives are flaunting their wealth. These leaders are failing to represent us.”
Social Media and Digital Blackouts
Amid growing unrest, TikTok suspended its live-streaming feature in Indonesia to prevent the spread of violent content, while local media reported threats of police raids on student groups organizing demonstrations.
President Prabowo Subianto, who took office in October 2024, has faced mounting criticism for economic mismanagement and authoritarian tactics. He was forced to cancel a planned diplomatic trip to China to deal with the crisis.
In response to the deadly riots, Prabowo announced that Indonesia’s political parties agreed to cut lawmakers’ allowances. However, analysts warn that this concession may not be enough to quell the deep resentment toward corruption, inequality, and worsening economic conditions.
Outlook: Political and Economic Turmoil Ahead
The Indonesia protests of 2025 underscore the fragile balance between government policies, public trust, and economic inequality. While the riots have paused for now, tensions remain high, and experts caution that unless structural reforms are made, public anger could resurface in the coming weeks.
