Protests and Uprisings in Indonesia (2025)

Protests that erupted in Indonesia in August and September 2025 began as social uprisings centered on the privileges granted to members of parliament and economic grievances but escalated into widespread violent unrest. The demonstrations spread nationwide, particularly after public outrage over the high housing allowance paid to lawmakers and the police killing of a motorcycle courier.

Police Barricade in Jakarta (Anadolu Ajansı)

Background

The primary cause of the protests was the decision, effective September 2024, to provide members of parliament with a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (approximately 3,000 US dollars). This amount is roughly ten times the national minimum wage and twenty times the minimum wage in impoverished regions. The decision provoked widespread public anger, intensifying popular discontent over high living costs, rising taxes, and unemployment.

Course of the Protests

Initial Events

The protests began with thousands of students marching toward the parliament building in Jakarta. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, and students responded with stones and bottles. Soon after, the demonstrations spread across the country.

Death of the Courier

The death of 21-year-old motorcycle courier Affan Kurniawan, who was crushed when a police vehicle drove into the crowd, became a turning point in the protests. Videos of the incident went viral on social media, fueling further anger and sparking demonstrations in multiple cities against police violence.

Spread of Violence

Protesters took to the streets in Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta, and Medan. In Makassar, at least three people were killed and several others seriously injured when the city hall was set on fire. The home of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati was looted, and the residences of several members of parliament were vandalized.

Fire and Protesters in Indonesia (Anadolu Ajansı)

Deaths and Injuries

At least eight people were reported killed and hundreds injured during the protests. Among the dead were students, civilians, and a person suspected of being an intelligence officer who was lynched.

Government Response

President Prabowo Subianto announced the removal of certain privileges granted to members of parliament in an effort to quell public anger. The housing allowance was abolished, and a moratorium was imposed on overseas trips by lawmakers. At the same time, he ordered the military and police to take firm action against looters.

Subianto characterized the unrest as attempts to escalate into acts of “treason against the nation” and “terrorism.” As the protests continued, the state established checkpoints in Jakarta and deployed armored vehicles.

Protest with Portrait of Subianto (Anadolu Ajansı)

Temporary Suspension of Protests

Student unions and civil society organizations postponed their demonstrations in Jakarta due to escalating security measures and fears of further violence. The Alliance of Indonesian Women and some student groups announced they were halting their actions citing “impossible conditions.” However, reports indicated that protests continued in some regions.