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4h ago

Indonesia Unrest Deepens After Police Killing as Makassar Council Fire Leaves Three Dead

Outrage over a viral video of a police vehicle killing 21-year-old Affan Kurniawan has fused with anger at lawmakers’ housing perks.

Protesters gather near the burning regional parliament building, during a protest after a motorcycle taxi driver died after being struck and run over by a police tactical vehicle during Thursday's protest against parliamentarians' allowances, in Makassar, South Sulawesi province, Indonesia, August 30, 2025. REUTERS/Iqbal Lubis
Image
Protesters walk by as the local parliament building is engulfed in flames during a protest following the death of a delivery rider in clashes between riot police and students protesting against lawmakers' allowances in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/ Masyudi Firmansyah)
Cars are burnt at the regional parliament premises, during a protest after a motorcycle taxi driver died after being struck and run over by a police tactical vehicle during Thursday's protest against parliamentarians' allowances, in Makassar, South Sulawesi province, Indonesia, August 30, 2025. REUTERS/Iqbal Lubis

Overview

  • Protests continued through the weekend across multiple cities, with fresh rallies in Bali and Surabaya and recurring clashes with riot police using tear gas and water cannon.
  • Authorities say seven police officers linked to the armored vehicle have been detained for investigation after internal ethics violations were cited, and the president ordered a transparent probe.
  • A blaze at Makassar’s city council building set during unrest killed at least three people and injured several others, according to local officials.
  • President Prabowo Subianto offered condolences, visited the victim’s family, pledged support, and canceled a planned trip to China to monitor the situation.
  • Economic and civic disruptions mounted as Indonesia’s rupiah and stocks fell on Friday and Jakarta’s transit services reported curtailed operations near protest sites on Saturday.