PKH Lampung News – Deadly Fire Erupts at Makassar Council Building Amidst Widespread Protests in Indonesia
At least three people died in a fire allegedly started by protestors at a council building in Makassar, Indonesia. The incident occurred during widespread demonstrations sparked by the death of a motorcycle taxi driver who was hit by a police vehicle.
Nationwide Protests Grip Indonesia
Major cities throughout Indonesia, including Jakarta, have been experiencing significant unrest following the circulation of footage showing a motorcycle taxi driver being run over by a police tactical vehicle. These demonstrations initially stemmed from concerns over low wages and perceived excessive benefits for lawmakers.
Baca juga: Masa Depan Generasi Gaza Terancam Hilang, Ini Kata PBB!
Baca juga: Succession Plans: JD Vance on Being “Ready to Serve” as President
Makassar Protests Turn Violent
In Makassar, located in eastern Indonesia, protests outside the provincial and local city council buildings escalated into violence. Both buildings were set on fire, along with several vehicles, as protesters reportedly hurled rocks and molotov cocktails.
The secretary of the Makassar city council, Rahmat Mappatoba, confirmed the deaths to AFP, stating that three people were killed as a result of the fire.
“They were trapped in the burning building,” he said, accusing protestors of storming the office to set the building on fire.
“This is beyond our prediction. Usually during a demonstration, protesters only threw rocks or burn a tyre in front of the office. They never stormed into the building or burned it.”
The victims included two local council staff members and a civil servant. Two individuals died at the scene, while the third passed away in the hospital. According to reports, at least four other individuals sustained injuries in the fire and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Baca juga: Masa Depan Generasi Gaza Terancam Hilang, Ini Kata PBB!
Images captured overnight showed the provincial council building engulfed in flames; however, the fire has since been extinguished. Protesters at the South Sulawesi provincial council building attempted to breach the gates and storm the premises.
Protests Spread to Jakarta and Beyond
In Jakarta, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the headquarters of the Mobile Brigade Corp paramilitary police unit, holding them responsible for the death of the motorcycle driver, Affan Kuniawan. They threw firecrackers, prompting a response from the police in the form of teargas.
Reports indicate that some protesters attempted to tear down the gates of the unit and remove a sign from the building’s facade.
Baca juga: Succession Plans: JD Vance on Being “Ready to Serve” as President
Police have stated that they have detained seven officers for questioning regarding the driver’s death.
Political Implications
These protests represent the most substantial and violent challenge faced by President Prabowo Subianto since assuming office less than a year ago. The situation has prompted him to urge calm, initiate an investigation, and visit the family of the deceased driver.
Subianto has promised rapid, state-led economic growth but has already faced criticism for significant government budget cuts aimed at funding populist policies, including a $1 billion free meal program.
On Friday, protests extended to other major Indonesian cities, including:
- Yogyakarta
- Bandung
- Semarang
- Surabaya (Java)
- Medan (North Sumatra province)
2 thoughts on “Indonesia Council Building Fire: Three Dead Amid Protests”