'INDONESIA' IS BURNING "170 Million People In Poverty Rise Up With Protests Everywhere"

Indonesia is Burning, 170 Million People in Poverty, Protests Everywhere

Large-scale protests occurred across Indonesia in August and early September 2025, sparked by a new lavish housing allowance for members of parliament amidst a backdrop of severe economic hardships. The demonstrations turned violent after a police vehicle killed a motorcycle taxi driver in Jakarta, which intensified public outrage over police brutality and corruption.

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Large-scale protests occurred across Indonesia in August and early September 2025, sparked by a new lavish housing allowance for members of parliament amidst a backdrop of severe economic hardships. The demonstrations turned violent after a police vehicle killed a motorcycle taxi driver in Jakarta, which intensified public outrage over police brutality and corruption.
Causes of the protests
Controversial allowances for lawmakers: The immediate trigger for the unrest was the revelation that lawmakers would receive a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (around $3,000)—an amount ten times Jakarta's minimum wage. Protesters viewed this as insensitive and corrupt amid a cost-of-living crisis.
Cost-of-living crisis: Many Indonesians have faced economic difficulties, including stagnant wages, rising food prices, high taxes, and mass layoffs. Local governments further angered the public with significant property tax hikes.
Killing of a taxi driver: On August 28, a motorcycle taxi driver named Affan Kurniawan was killed by an armored police vehicle during protests in Jakarta. Viral video footage of the incident galvanized further public anger and escalated the violence.

Military overreach: Earlier in 2025, demonstrations were held against a revised armed forces law that expands the military's role in civilian government, a move many saw as a threat to democratic reforms.
General frustration with elites: The protests reflect deep-seated resentment toward the political elite, whom many citizens perceive as out of touch, corrupt, and impervious to the struggles of ordinary people.
Key events and government response
Nationwide escalation: While starting in Jakarta, the protests spread to major cities across the archipelago, including Makassar, Surabaya, Medan, and Bandung. Government buildings, police stations, and even the homes of politicians were looted and set on fire.
Government concessions: Under pressure, President Prabowo Subianto's government rescinded the parliamentary allowances and cut back on perks and overseas trips for lawmakers. Five ministers were dismissed as a result of the unrest.
Crackdown and casualties: The government also responded with a heavy-handed crackdown, deploying military and riot police who used tear gas and water cannons. At least ten people were killed and hundreds injured during the demonstrations. Human rights groups criticized the forceful response.
Protester symbols: During the unrest, protesters adopted the Straw Hat Pirates flag from the popular anime One Piece as a symbol of rebellion and hope against daunting challenges.
Aftermath and current status
Continued unrest: While the most violent days of protest subsided in early September after the government's concessions, discontent continues to simmer, particularly on social media.
New leadership: In mid-September, President Subianto appointed former general Djamari Chaniago as the new security minister, replacing one of the ministers dismissed after the riots.
On social media: Following the widespread use of social media for mobilization and information sharing, the short-video platform TikTok temporarily suspended its live feature in Indonesia.

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