Protests in Indonesia, which began in Jakarta over government spending and perks for lawmakers, have rapidly escalated into a nationwide movement marked by unrest and violence. The demonstrations, initially peaceful, took a severe turn after a police vehicle struck and killed a motorcycle taxi driver, sparking riots and looting that caused millions of dollars in damage across the capital.
The unrest spread to Bandung, a major city more than 140 kilometers from Jakarta, where police fired tear gas near the Islamic University of Bandung (UNISBA) and Pasundan University. Student groups condemned the police response, saying campuses should remain safe zones. Authorities insisted they did not enter the grounds but attempted to disperse non-student protesters who had sought refuge inside. While police officials framed their actions as crowd control, UNISBA’s student body accused security forces of trying to suppress dissent through force.
Students have historically played a key role in Indonesia’s democracy, notably during the 1998 protests that ended President Suharto’s rule. Their involvement in today’s demonstrations recalls that legacy, with campuses once again becoming focal points of political expression. UNISBA’s rector, however, maintained that the campus was being used primarily as a medical hub for the injured, not as a staging ground for unrest.
President Prabowo Subianto, a former general under Suharto, faces mounting pressure as his administration nears its first anniversary. He has met with labor unions, some of which joined the protests demanding wage hikes and stronger labor protections. Union leaders presented a list of grievances, including ending outsourcing, eliminating cheap labor practices, and cutting income taxes. Prabowo acknowledged their concerns but warned that the government would not tolerate violence, signaling continued reliance on police and military enforcement.
So far, Jakarta police have detained more than 1,200 people, while city officials reported damages of about $3.4 million. At least eight people have died since the protests began, according to senior minister Airlangga Hartarto. International rights organizations, however, have criticized the security forces’ response, saying the heavy-handed measures risk worsening the crisis. Human Rights Watch accused the government of treating protesters like traitors or terrorists, while the UN called for investigations into alleged abuses by authorities.
The situation reflects deeper social fractures in Indonesia. Analysts point to rising inequality as a key driver of discontent, with recent allowances for lawmakers fueling perceptions of elitism and neglect of ordinary citizens. As Achmad Sukarsono of Control Risks explained, economic disparity creates a volatile backdrop, and unpopular policies act as sparks for broader unrest.
Adding to tensions, the arrest of Delpedro Marhaen, director of the Lokataru Foundation, on accusations of inciting riots has drawn sharp criticism. His organization insists the detention is unlawful, framing it as part of a wider crackdown on civil society voices. Meanwhile, Indonesians have turned to social media to amplify their demands, with hashtags like #ResetIndonesia gaining traction alongside calls for an end to police brutality and for the government to ensure fair wages.
