Are Indonesia’s politicians too out of touch? | DW News Desk

A week of protests against government spending in Indonesia, especially perks for lawmakers, has turned deadly for at least eight people. One of them, a 21-year-old delivery driver, was run over by a police vehicle. President Prabowo Subianto has given in to some demands but has also warned the police and military would stand firm against any violence.

The unrest emerged in cities across the country - the worst protests since the ex-general took power last year.

At least 500 protesters gathered outside the nation’s parliament in Jakarta —watched by soldiers and police—before dispersing before sundown on Monday. Police set up checkpoints across the capital, while officers and the military conducted citywide patrols and deployed snipers. The usually traffic-clogged streets were quieter than usual.

But elsewhere protests were more volatile.

At least three people were killed after a fire Friday started by protesters at a council building in the eastern city of Makassar, while a fourth was killed by a mob in the city in a case of mistaken identity. Another confirmed victim was a student in Yogyakarta who died in clashes.

In anticipation of further unrest, TikTok on Saturday suspended its live feature for “a few days” in Indonesia, where it has more than 100 million users.

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