Indonesia is currently experiencing one of its most significant waves of civil unrest in recent history. What began as outrage over parliamentary privileges has evolved into a nationwide movement that reflects deep-rooted discontent over governance, economic inequality, and democratic backsliding. With protests spreading across the archipelago and violence escalating, the crisis underscores a fundamental breakdown in trust between the public and the state.
The Spark: Privilege and Injustice
The immediate catalyst for the protests was the revelation that Indonesian lawmakers receive a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah—approximately $3,000. This figure is nearly ten times the minimum wage in Jakarta and has been perceived as emblematic of a political class that is increasingly detached from the everyday struggles of citizens. At a time when many Indonesians are grappling with rising prices and job insecurity, such privileges struck a nerve.
The situation worsened dramatically with the death of Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old motorcycle gig worker, who was fatally run over by a police tactical van during a demonstration. His death has become a rallying point for national outrage, symbolizing not only police brutality but also the broader culture of impunity within the security forces. The public reaction has been swift and fierce, signaling a growing intolerance for state violence and institutional indifference.
A Widening Movement
While Jakarta remains the epicenter of the unrest, the protests have quickly spread to other regions. In Makassar, a regional parliament building was set ablaze, resulting in at least three fatalities. Similar scenes of looting and arson have been reported in West Java, Central Java, Bali, and Sulawesi, where local government offices have been attacked. Even academic institutions have been affected; the University of Indonesia has shifted classes online due to safety concerns, reflecting the depth and reach of the movement.
The violence has escalated in recent days, with at least four confirmed deaths in various incidents. Lawmakers’ homes have been looted, and security forces have resorted to tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators. In an attempt to curb the spread of violent content, TikTok has suspended its Live feature in the country, highlighting the role of digital platforms in both fueling and containing civil unrest.
Government Reaction and Political Fallout
In response to the crisis, President Prabowo Subianto canceled a scheduled trip to China, opting instead to remain in Indonesia and address the unfolding situation. He has promised investigations into police conduct and has revoked the controversial housing allowances for lawmakers. However, many protesters see these actions as reactive rather than transformative, and calls for more substantial reforms—such as the dissolution of parliament—are growing louder.
The political ramifications have been immediate. The NasDem Party has suspended two of its lawmakers, likely in an effort to distance itself from the scandal and restore public trust. Nevertheless, the protests have exposed deep fractures within the political establishment. Allegations of censorship and the use of authoritarian tactics are becoming more frequent, further eroding the government’s credibility.
Underlying Structural Issues
At the heart of the protests lies a confluence of longstanding structural problems. Economic hardship is chief among them. In the first half of 2025 alone, more than 42,000 workers were laid off amid a faltering economy. Meanwhile, property taxes have increased by up to 1,000% in some regions, placing an enormous burden on families already struggling to make ends meet.
Beyond economics, there is growing concern about the health of Indonesia’s democracy. Protesters and civil society groups have warned of increasing censorship, declining transparency, and the weakening of institutional checks and balances. These concerns point to a broader fear: that the nation’s democratic foundations are under threat.
What Indonesia is experiencing is more than a protest—it is a reckoning. The unrest is a manifestation of widespread frustration with a system perceived as unequal, unaccountable, and unresponsive. Whether the government can turn this crisis into an opportunity for reform remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the demands for justice, equity, and democratic renewal will not fade quietly.
