Six dead as protests erupt over lawmaker perks in Indonesia

In Indonesia, nationwide protests erupted as citizens expressed outrage over excessive allowances for members of parliament. The unrest began peacefully but escalated dramatically, culminating in violent confrontations where law enforcement faced furious demonstrators. The triggering incident involved the fatality of a delivery driver, Affan Kurniawan, who was reportedly run over by police, igniting public anger. As the situation deteriorated, the Indonesian military was deployed in the capital to maintain order. Widespread looting occurred, and the protests led to six confirmed deaths, prompting President Prabowo Subianto to reconsider legislative allowances for lawmakers. Demonstrators demanded immediate parliamentary reform and expressed frustration, citing decades of unfulfilled promises from their representatives. Over 300 protestors gathered near the parliament building in Jakarta, indicating a significant mobilization against perceived governmental negligence regarding public welfare. The protests are considered a response to not only the lawmakers' lavish benefits, which were seen as unjust compared to the struggling economy but also the broader issue of governmental accountability in Indonesia. Moreover, individual accounts from participants reveal a prevailing sentiment of betrayal, highlighting the disconnect between ruling officials and the populace. In a notable backlash, demonstrators attacked properties associated with lawmakers, revealing the severity of the discontent. Public anger was exacerbated by the police's aggressive response during the demonstrations and several instances of fatal incidents. Some lawmakers reported having their homes vandalized, signaling that the protests have evolved beyond mere dissatisfaction and have turned into a potential risk for public safety. As tensions escalated, the Indonesian stock index also reflected the turmoil with a significant drop of over three percent on the same day due to the unrest. The government's warnings against rioting, emphasized by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin's threats of firm action against looters, indicate a preemptive approach to quell further violence. Despite the military's deployment and ongoing investigations into police misconduct, experts suggest that these moves may not be enough to pacify the growing frustrations among the citizens, whose demands continue to remain unmet, painting a grim picture for governance in Indonesia.