ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – A wave of public anger has escalated into chaos as protesters began targeting the homes of Indonesian lawmakers and government officials. One by one, residences belonging to parliament members have been looted, including those of Ahmad Sahroni, Eko Patrio, Uya Kuya, Nafa Urbach, and even Finance Minister Sri Mulyani.
The unrest was fueled by widespread frustration over controversial remarks made by several lawmakers and the death of an online motorcycle taxi driver who was struck by a police armored vehicle in Jakarta. The incident has further ignited public outrage, sparking mass demonstrations and violent break-ins.
Ahmad Sahroni’s Luxury Cars Destroyed
The first target was the home of Ahmad Sahroni, a member of the NasDem Party, in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, on Saturday, Aug 30. Hundreds of people stormed the property, ransacking the interior and destroying several luxury cars, including a Ferrari, Porsche, and Lexus. Videos of the destruction quickly spread on social media.
Eko Patrio and Uya Kuya Also Targeted
Shortly after, the residence of Eko Patrio, Secretary-General of the National Mandate Party (PAN), was attacked in South Jakarta. Despite issuing a public apology after a video of him dancing inside the parliament building went viral, angry crowds forced their way in and looted valuables, electronics, and luxury items.
In East Jakarta, the house of television presenter and PAN lawmaker Uya Kuya was also looted later that evening. Police have detained several suspects, but much of the property had already been stolen.
Nafa Urbach and Sri Mulyani Among the Victims
Public anger also turned toward Nafa Urbach, a singer-turned-lawmaker from the NasDem Party, after she defended lawmakers’ housing allowances. Her home in Bintaro was ransacked despite her apology on social media.
The violence peaked in the early hours of Sunday, Aug 31, when Finance Minister Sri Mulyani’s residence in South Tangerang was looted in two waves. Witnesses described the second wave as the most terrifying, involving hundreds—possibly thousands—of people. Neighbors said they were too afraid to leave their homes as mobs swarmed the area.
House of Parliament Speaker Puan Maharani Nearly Attacked
The unrest nearly reached the home of House Speaker Puan Maharani at around 4 a.m. on Sunday. Protesters attempted to break down the gates, shouting for unity to “bring it down,” but were eventually dispersed by security forces. The attack was thwarted before any looting could occur.
Police Reinforce Security as Tensions Rise
Indonesian police and military forces have since tightened security around the residences of state officials. Authorities vowed to bring perpetrators to justice, while analysts warned that the looting reflects a deeper crisis of public trust in parliament.
Unless addressed swiftly, experts caution that the unrest could spiral into a broader threat to Indonesia’s social and political stability. (AT Network)
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