Insights into Indonesia's deadly demonstrations:

Indonesia Faces Widespread Protests Amid Economic Struggles

Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, is currently grappling with widespread protests that have been ongoing since early this year. The demonstrations, which started due to discontent over financial perks for lawmakers, including a housing allowance nearly 10 times the minimum wage in Jakarta, have spread to several cities across the country.

The protests, seen as a response to President Prabowo's widespread budget cuts and the resulting economic issues, such as job losses, unfair taxes, and declining purchasing power, have been a significant challenge for Prabowo Subianto, who took office in October 2024.

The death of Affan Kurniawan, a motorcycle gig driver killed by a Brimob paramilitary unit, has further fuelled the public anger. Prabowo and the National Police chief have promised to investigate the incident. Made Supriatma, a visiting fellow at Singapore's ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, suggests that Prabowo should remove the National Police chief from his post to quell public fury.

The protests have been marked by fresh demonstrations on Monday and Thursday, with police using tear gas and water cannon to disperse the crowds. In Makassar, at least three people were killed and four injured after protesters set fire to a council building. More protests are expected to continue in the coming days, with hundreds of students rallying outside the East Java police headquarters in Surabaya.

Made Supriatma has also advised Prabowo to change the course and re-evaluate his cabinet, suggesting that he should re-evaluate key programs such as the free meal scheme and the new multibillion-dollar sovereign wealth fund Danantara. Police have also pledged to investigate the actions of lawmakers in response to the widespread protests.

Bhima Yudhistira Adhinegara, executive director of the Center of Economic and Law Studies, stated that Indonesians have become disenchanted with their economic situation. Some ojek drivers have announced their intention to return to the streets to protest against lawmakers. There are calls online for more protests outside parliament next week to demand its dissolution.

Seven Brimob officers have been detained for violating the ethics code in relation to Affan's death. The protests in Indonesia are President Prabowo's biggest test since taking office, and it remains to be seen how he will navigate this challenging period.