Story perspectives

Indonesia Faces Deadly Protests Amid Rising Costs, Unrest

9/1/2025

Summary

Prabowo Responds to Protests

Protests in Indonesia have intensified, resulting in eight deaths and the worst unrest in over 20 years.
President Prabowo Subianto canceled a trip to China and reduced lawmakers' perks due to public outrage over rising living costs and police brutality.
Rioters attacked lawmakers' homes, prompting increased military presence in major cities.
TikTok suspended its live feature to address disinformation related to the nationwide protests.
The stock market has dropped over 3% amid concerns about political stability and unrest.

Summary

Prabowo Concedes to Protesters

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto offered concessions to protesters, including reduced allowances for lawmakers, following escalating protests that led to five deaths.
Protests originated from discontent over high salaries and intensified after a police incident.
Student leaders anticipate ongoing protests and are urging further action.
Rights groups condemned Prabowo's response as repressive and criticized his rhetoric as excessive.

History

Historical Context

The 1998 Indonesian Reformation began with President Suharto's resignation on May 21, following mass protests against his authoritarian regime. This led to the implementation of democratic reforms, including the Law on Human Rights in 1999. Today, protests against rising living costs and police brutality under President Prabowo Subianto echo this historical struggle, highlighting ongoing challenges in governance and civil rights in Indonesia.

1 of 3

Prabowo Responds to Protests

Protests in Indonesia have intensified, resulting in eight deaths and the worst unrest in over 20 years.
President Prabowo Subianto canceled a trip to China and reduced lawmakers' perks due to public outrage over rising living costs and police brutality.
Rioters attacked lawmakers' homes, prompting increased military presence in major cities.
TikTok suspended its live feature to address disinformation related to the nationwide protests.
The stock market has dropped over 3% amid concerns about political stability and unrest.

1 / 3