Violent Protests Shake Indonesia; At Least Six Dead as President Orders Firm Security Response

At least six people have been killed and dozens injured as violent protests spread across Indonesia in recent days, prompting President Prabowo Subianto to order a firm security response and to cancel a planned visit to China.

What began in Jakarta over reports that all 580 members of the national legislature had approved new perks quickly spread beyond the capital, with demonstrators torching regional parliament buildings and police stations, looting private homes and burning vehicles, officials and news reports said. Riot police responded with tear gas and water cannon in city streets, and authorities have made arrests in multiple cities.

The unrest reached Bali, a normally crowded tourist destination, where students and online motorcycle taxi drivers surrounded the regional police headquarters on Saturday in a rare riot. Police cars were vandalized and looted, several people were detained, and local authorities reported damage to public property. The disturbances have prompted travel warnings from foreign embassies, including the U.S., urging citizens to avoid demonstrations and exercise caution.

Prabowo, who took office less than a year ago, ordered security forces to take “action as firm as possible” against what he described as unlawful acts, saying some actions by protesters risked meeting the threshold of treason and terrorism. He canceled a scheduled trip to China to attend the Victory Day Parade in Beijing on Sept. 3, citing the need to attend to the situation at home.

Authorities have reported varying casualty figures; some outlets cited six dead, while others reported as many as eight. Police and local officials said many of the incidents involved rock-throwing crowds clashing with officers and arson attacks on public buildings and private property. In several cities, demonstrators looted politicians’ houses and damaged infrastructure, according to local reports.

The protests have been driven by public outrage over the legislature’s reported approval of new allowances for its members, a move critics said was tone-deaf amid rising living costs. The demonstrations also reflect broader dissatisfaction with Prabowo’s governance, analysts and protest organizers said. Protesters have included students and gig-economy workers such as motorcycle taxi drivers, groups that played prominent roles in earlier large-scale demonstrations in the country.

Digital platforms and communications were affected as well. TikTok, which has more than 100 million accounts in Indonesia, suspended its livestreaming feature in the country to limit the spread of potentially inflammatory live content, the company said. The move came amid concerns that live video could escalate tensions or be used to coordinate violent actions.

Security officials have deployed additional police and military units to trouble spots and have vowed to hold those responsible for violence and property destruction to account. The president’s directive to take “firm” action underscores the administration’s concern that the unrest could destabilize public order; he also called on the security forces to act within the law.

Political leaders and civil society groups have urged restraint on both sides. Opposition figures and activists have stressed the right to peaceful protest while condemning the violence and vandalism that has accompanied some demonstrations. International observers said the protests represent a significant early test of Prabowo’s ability to manage domestic unrest and maintain public confidence.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation across the archipelago, where demonstrations have occurred in multiple provinces. Officials have not announced curfews or nationwide restrictions but have urged people to avoid areas where protests are taking place and to follow official advisories. Investigations into incidents of arson, looting and clashes with police remain ongoing as the government seeks to restore order and address the grievances that sparked the unrest.