Authorities in Indonesia have increased security measures following violent demonstrations in Jakarta and other major cities. Six people were killed in the unrest, which initially started over economic difficulties and escalated into violent protests against the police force.
The protests were triggered by financial benefits for legislators and began peacefully, but turned violent after a video showed a police unit running over a 21-year-old delivery driver. Demonstrations have spread from Jakarta to cities such as Yogyakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, and Medan, representing the worst unrest since President Prabowo Subianto took office.
Authorities have set up checkpoints in Jakarta and deployed armored cars and motorbikes to maintain order and protect citizens. President Subianto has canceled his planned trip to China for a military parade commemorating the end of World War II.
Minister of Defence Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has warned of firm action against rioters and looters after the Minister of Finance’s house was pillaged. At least three people were killed in a fire at a council building in Makassar, and another victim died after being beaten by a mob.
In Yogyakarta, Amikom University confirmed the death of student Rheza Sendy Pratama during the protests, though the circumstances of his death remain unclear.
TikTok has temporarily suspended its live feature in Indonesia, where it has over 100 million users, to prevent further unrest.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/1/indonesia-tightens-security-after-deadly-protests?traffic_source=rss
