Widespread Protests Erupt in Indonesia Over Lawmaker Allowances and Young Driver's Death

In late August 2025, Indonesia was engulfed in widespread protests ignited by public outrage over lawmakers' substantial housing allowances and intensified by the death of a young motorcycle taxi driver during a demonstration. The unrest, which began in Jakarta on August 25, rapidly spread to other major cities, highlighting deep-seated economic grievances and concerns over government accountability.

The demonstrations were initially sparked by reports that 580 members of the House of Representatives had been receiving a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (approximately $3,000) since September 2024. This figure is nearly ten times the minimum wage in many regions, exacerbating public frustration amid rising living costs and economic hardships. House Speaker Puan Maharani defended the allowance, stating it "reflects Jakarta’s rental market and the fact that lawmakers no longer have access to state-provided housing."

Tensions escalated on August 28 when Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, was allegedly struck and killed by a police armored vehicle during a protest near the parliamentary complex in Jakarta. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, intensified public anger and led to violent demonstrations nationwide. In Makassar, South Sulawesi, protesters set fire to the regional parliament building, resulting in at least three deaths and several injuries.

In response to the escalating unrest, President Prabowo Subianto canceled a planned trip to China and announced the revocation of the controversial housing allowances. He also ordered a thorough and transparent investigation into Kurniawan's death, stating, "I have ordered that last night's incident be investigated thoroughly and transparently. The involved officers must be held accountable." Seven police officers from the Jakarta Police's elite Mobile Brigade unit are currently under review in connection with the case.

Despite these measures, protests continued, with demonstrators demanding broader reforms, including police accountability and economic policy changes. The unrest has also impacted financial markets, causing declines in the Jakarta stock index and the rupiah. The protests reflect deep-seated economic frustrations, including job losses and reduced consumer power.

The situation remains volatile, with authorities urging calm and emphasizing the importance of peaceful expression. The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) is conducting an investigation into the police's role in Kurniawan's death, underscoring the need for accountability and transparency. As Indonesia grapples with these challenges, the government's response and the protesters' demands will likely shape the nation's political and social landscape in the coming months.