During the week of August 25, widespread protests began popping up in Indonesia over economic frustrations and deep-rooted anger. Long-standing economic disparity boiled over on the 25th as members of the Indonesian Parliament debated a bill to create a housing allowance for lawmakers nearly 10 times the minimum wage in Jakarta. Demonstrations erupted on the 28th outside the parliament building, with hundreds turning up to protest low wages as well as the new law. The police were dispersed to dissipate the crowd and utilized tear gas and water cannons.

During the protest, a tactical van from the Mobile Brigade Corps ran over and killed 21-year-old motorcyclist Affan Kurniawan. Footage from the horrifying scene subsequently went viral, sparking violent protests and anger over the event. The protests immediately spread over multiple major cities in Indonesia, including but not limited to Bandung, Solo, Medan, and Yogyakarta, quickly turning violent. Protestors have utilized firecrackers, rocks, arson, and Molotov cocktails.  

In February, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto began a series of budget cuts as well as cutting regional funding in an attempt to re-centralize government spending, which has resulted in tax increases. These budget cuts were met with swift protests across the nation as citizens began to worry about purchasing power, inflation, and the sharp increase in taxes. With job opportunities drying up and a 32% increase in layoffs between January and June, the economic problems have been piling up in Indonesia.

Parliament’s debate on the housing allowance “lit the fire,” according to an expert in economics, Bhima Yudhistira Adhinegara, who spoke with AFP. As of now, the House of Representatives has scrapped the housing allowance legislation, decided against raising lawmaker salaries, and imposed a ban on non-essential overseas trips. The announcement comes nearly two weeks after protests began. These changes are part of a wider attempt at government transparency and responsibility. The House has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing the quality of legislation and greater public participation in the drafting of laws. 

While a step in the right direction, it remains to be seen if this gesture will be enough to quell protests. These protests have become the largest test that President Prabowo has faced since taking office in October, with the public calling for the removal of the National Police Chief as well as the reevaluation of the programs originally introduced. As of now, the public does not seem satisfied with the response from Parliament and the President. Many even call for the dissolution of Parliament, with faith in the government waning quickly. Protesters are calling for real change, rather than apologies or for “certain officials to be suspended,” according to an Indonesian student at the heart of the protest.