ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesia has been shaken by a massive wave of demonstrations that spiraled into violent riots.
Parliament buildings in Makassar, Bandung, and even West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) were set on fire as clashes erupted between protesters and security forces, leaving several people dead.
The unrest was triggered by the death of Affan Kurniawan (20), a motorcycle taxi driver who was run over by a police armored vehicle during a protest in Pejompongan, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, Aug 28. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, ignited nationwide outrage.
Jakarta on Fire: Thousands Besiege Parliament
By Friday night, Aug 29, thousands of protesters had surrounded the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Senayan, Jakarta. Police and military personnel stood guard with shields at the gates, facing demonstrators who refused to disperse.
The situation briefly calmed when heavy rain fell but flared up again as protesters hurled fireworks and Molotov cocktails at security forces. Police responded with tear gas, leading to chaos, stampedes, and thick smoke blanketing the area.
National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, publicly apologized and confirmed the arrest of seven Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officers inside the armored vehicle that killed Affan. Still, the protests spread nationwide.
Makassar Erupts: Parliament Building Torched, Three Dead
In Makassar, South Sulawesi, what began as a solidarity rally turned into tragedy. Protesters stormed and set fire to the Makassar City Parliament (DPRD) building, engulfing the entire structure in flames.
Three government officials trapped inside died in the blaze. Two victims, Syaiful (Subdistrict Head of Social Welfare, Ujung Tanah) and a municipal police officer, leaped from the fourth floor in a desperate attempt to escape. A third victim, Sarina, a staff member of a local legislator, was later found dead.
The riots quickly spread to the South Sulawesi Provincial Parliament (DPRD Sulsel), the Attorney General’s Office branch, police posts, and dozens of government and private vehicles—all burned. With police overwhelmed, the military took over security operations.
Bandung in Flames: Regional Parliament and MPR Residence Torched
Meanwhile, in Bandung, West Java, thousands of protesters—many of them motorcycle taxi drivers—stormed the West Java Regional Parliament (DPRD Jabar) and torched the nearby official residence of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI).
Flames spread to the building’s second floor and were difficult to contain by early evening. Despite tear gas barrages, protesters kept pouring in. Several demonstrators collapsed from smoke inhalation and had to be evacuated by ambulances.
“If this hadn’t taken a life, it might not have come to this. More friends are still on their way,” said Riki, an ojol driver from Bandung.
Violence Spreads to West Nusa Tenggara: Parliament Office Burned
The wave of violence also reached West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). What began as a peaceful march from the NTB Regional Police headquarters escalated into chaos when protesters vandalized public facilities and torched the NTB Regional Parliament building in Mataram.
Footage circulating online showed massive flames consuming the building, sparking panic among local residents. No official death toll has been reported yet.
Lawmaker’s House Attacked: Ahmad Sahroni’s Mansion Looted
The anger of protesters also targeted Ahmad Sahroni, Deputy Speaker of the House from the NasDem Party. His luxury residence in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, was besieged and eventually stormed after his controversial remarks dismissing calls to dissolve parliament as “stupid.”
The front gate was torn down, and looting ensued. Household items and vehicles were ransacked as videos of the incident went viral.
Protesters’ Demands 2025
The wave of nationwide demonstrations that erupted in Jakarta, Makassar, Bandung, and West Nusa Tenggara in late August 2025 carried a series of strong demands against the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI). Among them:
1. Dissolve the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) – protesters argue that the legislative body has lost its moral legitimacy in the eyes of the people.
2. Reject the Draft Anti-Extortion Criminal Code (RKHUAP) – seen as an attempt to silence public criticism.
3. Full Transparency of Lawmakers’ Salaries – the public demands disclosure of parliamentary salaries and benefits.
4. Cancel the Housing Allowance Policy for DPR Members – criticized as excessive privilege amid worsening public hardship.
5. Block the Planned Salary Increase for DPR Members – regarded as a betrayal of social justice at a time when ordinary citizens face economic difficulties.
Government Response: President Prabowo Orders Firm Action
President Prabowo Subianto summoned Armed Forces Commander General Agus Subiyanto and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo to the Presidential Palace for an urgent security briefing.
“The President instructed TNI and Police to take firm legal action against anarchic behavior,” General Sigit told reporters.
Prabowo emphasized that freedom of expression is protected by law, but protests must be peaceful, respect public order, and not endanger national unity.
Current Situation: Indonesia Under Shadow of Unrest
As of early Saturday morning (Aug 30), Jakarta, Makassar, Bandung, and NTB remain tense. Major roads are closed, public transport disrupted, and thousands of troops deployed.
The riots have already claimed multiple lives, destroyed state institutions, and plunged the nation into uncertainty. Indonesians are now anxiously awaiting concrete steps from the government to restore peace and stability. (AT Network)
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