Since last week, Indonesia has been engulfed in nationwide anti-government protests that have left at least five people dead, marking the worst violence in decades. The demonstrations were sparked by outrage over what protesters called excessive salaries and housing allowances for members of parliament. The situation escalated into riots on Friday after a motorcycle rideshare driver was killed during a police crackdown at a protest site.
Homes of political figures and state buildings were looted or set ablaze, shaking investor confidence. On Friday, Indonesia’s stock and currency markets plunged. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati’s residence outside Jakarta was also ransacked.
Facing nationwide unrest, President Prabowo Subianto announced on Sunday that he had reached an agreement with political parties to cut lawmakers’ benefits and suspend overseas trips. At the same time, Prabowo ordered the military and police to take strict action against rioters and looters, labeling parts of the demonstrations as acts of “treason and terrorism.”
The turmoil forced Prabowo to cancel a planned trip to China. He also met with key cabinet members to discuss response measures. To prevent further spread of unrest, the military has been deployed to guard the presidential palace and the residences of senior ministers.