PKH Lampung News – Deadly fires and widespread unrest have swept across Indonesia, fueled by discontent over lawmaker allowances and the death of a ride-hailing driver. Multiple regional parliament buildings have been set ablaze, leading to casualties and heightened tensions nationwide.
Makassar Tragedy: Three Dead in Parliament Fire
A local parliament building in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi province, was set ablaze by an angry mob late Friday. The fire resulted in the deaths of at least three people, with an additional five individuals hospitalized due to burns and injuries sustained while escaping the building. Fadli Tahar, a local disaster official, confirmed the fatalities and injuries, painting a grim picture of the aftermath.
Nationwide Protests and Arson
The unrest extended beyond Makassar, with a regional parliament in Bandung, West Java, also targeted by arson. While no casualties were reported in Bandung, the incident underscores the widespread nature of the protests. In Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest city, demonstrators stormed the regional police headquarters, destroying property and setting vehicles on fire. Security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons, but were met with resistance from protesters armed with fireworks and wooden clubs.
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Underlying Grievances Fueling the Unrest
The wave of protests, which began five days prior in Jakarta, was sparked by reports of a controversial housing allowance for lawmakers. The allowance, amounting to 50 million rupiah ($3,075) per month, is nearly ten times the Jakarta minimum wage, triggering public outrage over perceived extravagance and insensitivity to economic hardships. Critics argue the allowance is excessive considering the rising costs of living, increasing taxes, and high unemployment rates.
The Death of Affan Kurniawan
The protests escalated further following the death of 21-year-old ride-hailing driver Affan Kurniawan. A video circulating on social media, purportedly showing Kurniawan’s death during a rally in Jakarta, ignited public anger against the security forces. Witnesses claimed that Kurniawan, who was reportedly completing a food delivery, was struck and run over by a National Police Mobile Brigade armored car. This incident sparked solidarity demonstrations, including one in Bali, where hundreds of ride-hailing drivers and students protested and demanded police reform.
International Concerns and Calls for Restraint
Foreign embassies in Jakarta, including those of the U.S., Australia, and Southeast Asian countries, have advised their citizens to avoid demonstration areas. Amnesty International has criticized the Indonesian government, alleging suppression of free speech through crackdowns on public protests.
“No one should lose their lives for exercising their right to protest,” said Usman Hamid, the Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia. “The authorities must immediately and unconditionally release anyone detained solely for exercising their rights.”
Scale of Arrests and Injuries
Authorities reported that approximately 950 people were arrested in Jakarta alone by Thursday. Furthermore, about 25 officers were hospitalized with serious injuries after being attacked by protesters. The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) believes the number of injured civilians is significantly higher.
Affected Cities and Regions
Clashes between police and protesters have been reported in numerous cities across Indonesia, including:
- Medan
- Solo
- Yogyakarta
- Magelang
- Malang
- Bengkulu
- Pekanbaru
- Manokwari (Papua region)
The situation remains tense as authorities grapple with the widespread unrest and attempt to restore order. The long-term impact of these events on Indonesian society and politics remains to be seen.
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