Key points concerning Indonesia's lethal demonstrations:

Protests Continue to Roil Indonesia as Prabowo Faces Challenges

Protests in Indonesia have been ongoing for several days, with citizens taking to the streets in cities across the country to demand social reforms and protest against inequality, corruption, and militarization. The protests were initially triggered by anger over financial perks for lawmakers, including a housing allowance nearly 10 times the minimum wage in Jakarta.

The death of a motorcycle gig driver, Affan Kurniawan, on Friday has further stoked public anger. The incident involving Affan occurred when a black tactical van from the Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) paramilitary unit ran over him. The footage of the incident went viral, stoking further anger over police tactics. The National Police chief and Prabowo have promised to investigate Affan Kurniawan's death.

Seven Brimob officers have been detained for violating the ethics code in relation to Affan Kurniawan's death. However, this has not quelled public fury. Made Supriatma, a visiting fellow at Singapore's ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, suggests that Prabowo should re-evaluate key programs such as the free meal scheme and the new multibillion-dollar sovereign wealth fund Danantara.

The protests are being driven by a diverse group of people such as students, factory workers, taxi drivers, activists, human rights groups, and minority organizations. They are demanding social reforms and protesting against inequality, corruption, and militarization. Hundreds of students rallied outside the East Java police headquarters in Surabaya on Saturday, and there have been calls online for more protests outside parliament next week to demand its dissolution.

Experts say Indonesians have become disenchanted with their economic situation due to problems with unfair taxes, declining purchasing power, and lack of job opportunities. This discontent was evident in February when thousands of Indonesians protested against Prabowo's widespread budget cuts to fund populist policies such as a billion-dollar free meal programme for schoolchildren and pregnant mothers.

In Makassar, at least three people were killed and four injured after protesters set fire to a council building. Fresh demonstrations were held on Thursday, with hundreds protesting into the night against low wages. Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse the crowd.

The protests in Indonesia are a significant challenge for Prabowo, being his biggest test since he took office in October. Made Supriatma suggests that Prabowo should remove the National Police chief from his post as a symbolic gesture to quell public fury. He also suggests that Prabowo should change the course of his policies and re-evaluate his cabinet. Some ojek drivers have stated they will return to the streets to protest against lawmakers.

The protests are ongoing and are expected to continue for the next few days. It remains to be seen how Prabowo will navigate this crisis and whether he will be able to address the deep-seated issues that have led to these protests.