Prabowo: parties taking firm action on members in parliament

Prabowo: parties taking firm action on members in parliament

Indonesia is grappling with widespread protests that have escalated into violence, with three more people killed on Friday as isolated demonstrations spread across the country. The protests, which began on Monday in Jakarta, have become a broader rebuke of President Prabowo Subianto and his policies [1].

The protests have been sparked by the controversial housing allowance for lawmakers, which critics argue is excessive and insensitive given the country's economic troubles. Consumer prices are rising quickly, and the unemployment rate is expected to be the highest in Southeast Asia this year [2].

The protests have grown violent, with incidents reported in at least half a dozen cities, including Jakarta, Makassar, Bandung, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta. Protesters have set fire to buildings and vehicles, and clashes with security forces have resulted in numerous arrests and injuries. The National Commission on Human Rights reported that about 951 people were arrested in Jakarta alone by Thursday [2].

The protests have also highlighted concerns about democracy and civil rights under Prabowo's leadership. He was discharged from the military in 1998 for his involvement in the abduction and torture of pro-democracy activists under the rule of the dictator Suharto [1].

In response to the violence, authorities have deployed troops and used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters. However, the crackdown has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, with Amnesty International calling for the immediate and unconditional release of anyone detained solely for exercising their rights [2].

The protests have put Prabowo under intense pressure. His government has ordered an investigation into the death of Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver who was killed during a protest in Jakarta on Thursday. Prabowo visited Kurniawan's family on Friday and offered support [1].

The protests have also led to calls for Prabowo to take firm action against members of his party in parliament who support the housing allowance. Critics argue that the allowance is a symbol of the government's insensitivity to the economic struggles of ordinary Indonesians.

The situation in Indonesia is fluid, and the protests could potentially impact the country's economic stability and investor confidence. As the protests continue, investors and financial professionals should closely monitor the situation for any developments that could affect the country's economic outlook.

References:
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/30/world/asia/indonesia-protests-dead-prabowo-subianto.html
[2] https://www.npr.org/2025/08/30/g-s1-86456/3-dead-indonesia-regional-parliament-building