KEY INSIGHTS
Indonesia’s largest protests occurred on August 25, triggered by outrage over parliamentary perks, and demonstrations are rapidly evolving into a broader movement against corruption, inequality, and police brutality. The unrest has become the most serious challenge to President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, exposing deep governance failures and raising the risk of recurring instability that could disrupt travel, humanitarian operations, and business activity nationwide.
KEY EVENTS
August 25, 2025: Protests erupted in Jakarta, led by student groups and activists over reports 580 members of the House of Representatives were receiving a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (US $3,000), far above both national and local minimum wages.
The protests quickly spread to other cities and local citizen’s grievances broadened to include rising cost of living, unemployment, perceived corruption, and demands for austerity in government expenditures.
The movement escalated on August 28 following the death of a 21-year-old motorcycle ride-sharing driver, Affan Kurniawan, who was reportedly run over by a police tactical vehicle during clashes in Jakarta.
President Subianto and political leaders moved to revoke or reduce some of the lawmakers’ perks and promised to increase accountability and revise several government policies.
ANALYSIS
On August 25, Indonesia witnessed its largest and most sustained protests in years. At the heart of the unrest was the revelation lawmakers were receiving allowances above the average national income. Students, labor unions, and grassroots activists mobilized, framing the issue as one of economic fairness and broader democratic backsliding under President Subianto.
Demonstrations rapidly spread beyond Jakarta to other cities across Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Kalimantan. Security forces responded with heavy-handed tactics, deploying tear gas, water cannons, and armored vehicles. The death of Affan Kurniawan became a rallying symbol for demonstrators nationwide. Social media amplified his story, with the hashtag #JusticeForAffan trending widely and galvanizing fresh waves of protest.
For President Prabowo Subianto, the unrest represents the most severe test of his leadership since taking office. Prabowo, a former general with a controversial human rights record, now faces a crisis that has eroded public trust and exposed the fragility of state-society relations.
OUTLOOK
Indonesia’s unrest is likely to persist in the short term, as grievances fueling the protests run deeper than the immediate controversy over parliamentary perks. A reliance on force may restore temporary order but risks hardening public distrust and weakening democratic institutions. Lasting stability will require meaningful reforms in transparency, accountability, and security sector practices.
We encourage foreign nationals, NGOs, and businesses operating in the region to:
- Avoid protest hotspots: Refrain from traveling to areas with large demonstrations, particularly central districts of Jakarta, Surabaya, and Medan.
- Monitor security updates: Stay informed through embassies, trusted NGOs, U.N. agencies, and official government advisories.
- Plan secure travel and logistics: Use vetted transport providers, avoid predictable travel routines, and steer clear of known protest sites.
- Maintain contingency and evacuation plans: Ensure clear relocation options for staff and volunteers.
- Coordinate with local partners: Work closely with trusted contacts and security providers for accurate situational guidance.
Authored by: Daniel Ratna
