Unrest escalates in Indonesia as demonstrations over alleged police violence and lawmakers' remuneration persist

Indonesia in Turmoil: Nationwide Protests and Clashes with Police

Indonesia has been gripped by unrest in recent days, with protests and clashes between demonstrators and riot police erupting in multiple cities across the country. The turmoil was sparked by a video on social media showing the death of a motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan, during Thursday's clashes.

The protests began over lawmakers receiving a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah, which is almost 10 times the Jakarta minimum wage. Protesters in Yogyakarta and Solo called for sweeping police reform and asset seizure from corrupt officials, and set tyres ablaze and damaged the regional parliament building. Protesters in Bandung and Makassar burned down local parliament buildings.

President Prabowo Subianto expressed his condolences and called for calm in a televised speech. He also visited Kurniawan's parents' house and promised financial support for the family. Subianto, accompanied by several members of his Cabinet, made the visit to express his sympathy and to offer assistance to the family in their time of grief.

Clashes between demonstrators and riot police occurred in multiple cities, including Surabaya, Solo, Yogyakarta, Medan, Makassar, Manado, Bandung, and Manokwari in Papua. In Surabaya, protesters stormed the governor's office compound, and security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons. Protests continued into the night in various cities, with tear gas and clashes persisting.

Seven members of the police motor brigade linked to the incident have been detained and questioned. Subianto has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, with the aim of bringing those responsible to justice. The driver of the armoured vehicle that hit Kurniawan has not yet been identified.

Critics argue the new allowance is excessive and insensitive at a time when people are grappling with soaring living costs and taxes and rising unemployment. The search results do not provide any information about the 44 people detained by the Indonesian police on suspicion of setting forest fires that spread toxic soot.

Thousands of people attended Kurniawan's burial, filling a major traffic circle and main thoroughfares. The unrest shows no signs of abating, with calls for reform and accountability echoing across the country. As the investigation into Kurniawan's death continues, it remains to be seen whether the Indonesian government will take decisive action to address the concerns of its citizens and bring about lasting change.

Unrest escalates in Indonesia as demonstrations over alleged police violence and lawmakers' remuneration persist