ASIATODAY.ID, SURABAYA – Indonesia has entered a state of emergency. Waves of demonstrations across several cities since late August have escalated into large-scale riots.
The Grahadi State Building in Surabaya was set on fire, major shopping centers in Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya closed, and President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the military and police to take strict action.
The unrest was triggered by the death of Affan Kurniawan (20), an online motorcycle taxi driver crushed by a tactical vehicle of the Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) in Pejompongan, Jakarta, on Thursday, August 28. Footage of the incident went viral on social media, sparking public outrage and turning into increasingly anarchic protests in multiple regions.
Surabaya Ablaze: Grahadi Building Targeted
On Saturday evening, August 30, thousands of protesters surrounded the Grahadi State Building, an iconic symbol of government in East Java. Initially, the action was aimed at demanding the release of their detained colleagues at the Surabaya Metropolitan Police, but the situation quickly escalated into chaos.
Protesters threw stones and attempted to enter from the west side. Vice Governor Emil Dardak’s office caught fire, while the journalists’ room behind it was looted. Computers and important documents went missing. Firefighters tried to control the blaze, but significant portions of the building were destroyed.
Malls Close, Public Activities Disrupted
The Surabaya unrest is only the tip of the iceberg. Protests sparked by the death of the motorcycle taxi driver and issues over parliamentary allowances have spread to other cities.
Major shopping centers were forced to close:
Pakuwon Mall, Yogyakarta – closed due to proximity to protest sites near the DIY Police Headquarters.
Tunjungan Plaza, Surabaya – blocked all entrances with barricades.
Plaza Senayan & Sarinah, Jakarta – closed stores early.
Atrium Senen, Jakarta – suspended operations for two consecutive days.
These measures were taken to protect visitors, tenants, and employees from potential violence.
Riots Spread: Makassar, Bandung, NTB
The unrest is not limited to Surabaya:
Makassar, South Sulawesi – the City Council building (DPRD) was set on fire; three government officials died. Dozens of official and private vehicles were destroyed.
Bandung, West Java – the provincial parliament building (DPRD) and a residence of the MPR RI were torched, tear gas was deployed to disperse crowds.
West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) – the DPRD building in Mataram was set on fire, alarming local residents.
Jakarta – the residence of Deputy Speaker of the House Ahmad Sahroni was stormed and looted; some belongings and vehicles were damaged.
The unrest demonstrates uncontrolled escalation, with targets ranging from government buildings to private property of officials.
Government Response: Military and Police Ordered to Act Firmly
President Prabowo Subianto summoned the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, General Agus Subiyanto, and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo to evaluate the national situation.
The Police Chief emphasized:
“The right to express opinions is protected by law. However, anarchic actions such as setting buildings on fire, damaging public facilities, and attacking officers are criminal offenses. The President has instructed the military and police to act firmly in accordance with the law.”
Protesters’ Demands 2025
The large-scale protests included demands directed at the Indonesian Parliament:
1. Dissolve the Parliament (DPR) – seen as having lost moral legitimacy.
2. Reject the Anti-Extortion Legal Code (RKHUAP) – perceived as suppressing public criticism.
3. Transparency in MPs’ salaries – a demand for disclosure of earnings and benefits.
4. Cancel MPs’ housing allowances – seen as excessive luxury.
5. Block the planned salary increase for MPs – deemed unfair amid economic pressures on the public.
Economic Impact: Supply Chains at Risk
The unrest is also affecting the economy. HIPPINDO Chairman Budihardjo Iduansjah warned of a domino effect:
“If retailers cannot operate, factories cannot produce, drivers cannot deliver goods, the entire economy is disrupted. This cannot continue for long.”
HIPPINDO urged the government to strengthen security in public activity centers and create dialogue channels to ease tensions, ensuring that the national economy does not collapse.
Indonesia in Emergency: Security, Social, and Economic Threats
As of early Saturday, August 30, conditions in Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, Bandung, and NTB remain tense. Major roads are closed, public transport is paralyzed, government buildings and shopping centers are either burned or closed, and supply chains are disrupted.
The military and police have been instructed to take firm action against anarchic demonstrations, while citizens and businesses await concrete measures from the government to restore safety, stability, and normal economic activity. (AT Network)
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