JAKARTA, Indonesia — Widespread protests erupted across Indonesia on August 25, triggered by revelations that lawmakers receive monthly housing allowances of 50 million rupiah—nearly ten times the national minimum wage—amid rising economic frustrations. The demonstrations, which began in the capital Jakarta, quickly spread to other major cities including Surabaya, where angry mobs set vehicles ablaze and stormed local police headquarters.
At least three people have been killed in the clashes, with fatalities reported from a fire at a regional parliament building and amid protests following the death of a taxi driver. The unrest reflects deeper discontent that has simmered since early 2025, fueled by tax increases and soaring living costs that have strained households nationwide.
Over the weekend, protesters intensified their actions by targeting the homes of politicians, resulting in widespread looting and ransacking in several areas. In response to the escalating tensions, President Prabowo Subianto abruptly canceled a planned trip to China, prioritizing domestic stability.
Social media platforms have also reacted to the chaos, with TikTok suspending live broadcasts in Indonesia to curb the spread of misinformation during the protests. These events pose a significant challenge for Prabowo’s administration, which came to power in 2024 on pledges of economic reform and improved living standards.
Authorities have deployed additional security forces to key locations, but protesters vow to continue until demands for allowance reductions and broader economic relief are met. The government has yet to announce specific measures to address the grievances.