JAKARTA – Demonstrations in Indonesia turned violent over the weekend, with protesters setting fire to regional parliament buildings across three provinces, marking the most serious political test yet for President Prabowo Subianto since taking office.
Local media reported that parliament facilities in West Nusa Tenggara, as well as in the Central Java city of Pekalongan and West Java’s Cirebon, were attacked on Saturday. Protesters in Cirebon allegedly looted office equipment, while police deployed tear gas in Pekalongan and West Nusa Tenggara to disperse the crowds.
The unrest follows Friday’s deadly protests in Makassar, capital of South Sulawesi province, which left at least three people dead and five others injured after clashes outside the parliamentary complex. Reports from metrotvnews.com suggested a fourth fatality linked to a fire at the Makassar parliament building, though this has not been independently confirmed.
Indonesia’s disaster management agency confirmed casualties but withheld details. State news agency Antara said several victims were trapped inside the burning building, while two others were injured after leaping from upper floors to escape the flames.
Protests initially erupted in Jakarta earlier this week over lawmakers’ pay but escalated sharply on Friday after a police vehicle fatally struck a ride-hailing motorbike driver. National police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo said on Saturday that the president had ordered security forces to “take firm action” against demonstrators who break the law.
The wave of demonstrations has spread to other regions, including Bali, where local media reported clashes outside police headquarters. Tear gas was also fired to disperse crowds.
The unrest has disrupted public transport in the capital, with Jakarta’s MRT suspending stops at one station near the protest site and Transjakarta bus services facing interruptions.
The violence raises concerns over political stability and governance in Southeast Asia’s largest economy, just as the Prabowo administration seeks to project fiscal discipline and investor confidence in the early months of its leadership.
