Indonesia Protests Escalate: Death Toll Rises and Buildings Burn

Strategic Insights -

Thousands of people took to the streets across Indonesia in anti-government protests over the past week, leading to widespread violence, property damage, and at least seven deaths. The demonstrations began on August 25, sparked by controversies surrounding a housing allowance for MPs, strict austerity measures, and policies perceived as benefiting conglomerates and the military. The protests turned increasingly violent on Friday, with government buildings and police headquarters being set ablaze in several cities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The protests began on August 25 in response to a housing allowance for MPs, strict austerity measures, and policies perceived as benefiting conglomerates and the military.
  • At least seven people have died, including a 21-year-old delivery driver run over by elite police in Jakarta, and hundreds have been injured in the clashes.
  • Government buildings and police headquarters have been set ablaze in cities such as Makassar, Bandung, Palembang, Banjarmasin, Yogyakarta, and Gorontalo.
  • Over 1,240 rioters have been detained in Jakarta, and authorities estimate the damage at up to 55 billion rupiah ($3.3 million).
  • Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati's house was looted, and several lawmakers have had their homes ransacked.
  • The government has responded by ordering security forces to take firm action against the protests, cutting lawmakers' perks, and promoting police personnel injured during the violence.
  • The United Nations has called for an investigation into the alleged use of disproportionate force, while Human Rights Watch accused the Indonesian authorities of acting irresponsibly.

Statistics:

  • At least seven people have died in the protests.
  • Over 1,240 rioters have been detained in Jakarta.
  • Up to 700 people have been injured in the protests.
  • The estimated damage from the protests is up to $3.3 million.
  • Seven people have died, including a delivery driver run over by elite police in Jakarta.
  • At least three people were killed on Friday after a fire started by protesters at a council building in Makassar.
  • A student died in clashes between riot police and protesters in Yogyakarta, while a 60-year-old pedicab driver died from exposure to teargas in the city of Solo.

Sources:

  • "At least seven people have died, hundreds have been injured and public buildings have been burnt and looted after thousands of people took to the streets in anti-government protests across Indonesia over the past week." - Agencies
  • A press release from the student group Gejayan Memanggil accusing the government of policies that benefit conglomerates and the military.
  • A statement from President Prabowo Subianto ordering security forces to take firm action against the protests.
  • A report from Human Rights Watch accusing the Indonesian authorities of acting irresponsibly.
  • A statement from the United Nations calling for an investigation into the alleged use of disproportionate force.