Large demonstrations have gripped Jakarta and other cities this week, with the most visible flashpoints outside the national parliament (DPR) and around the State Palace. Police deployed tear gas and water cannon as predominantly student-led crowds tried to push toward the DPR complex on August 25; fresh, larger mobilisations involving labour unions and allied groups followed on August 28 under heavier security.

Anger over lawmakers’ allowances

The demonstrations that began on August 25, were ignited by revelations over lawmakers’ lavish perks. Reuters reported that riot police have fired water cannon and rounds of teargas at thousands of stone-throwing protesters in Indonesia’s capital as anger over the lavish allowances of parliament members has fuelled public anger.” According to the Guardian, thousands of students, workers and activists demonstrated outside the nation’s parliament, against a monthly housing allowance of IDR50mn ($3,075) for MPs, which is almost 10 times the Jakarta minimum wage.

Protesters accused parliament of enriching itself while millions of Indonesians struggled with rising living costs. Student group Gejayan Memanggil said in a press release that the rallies opposed “corrupt elites” and the growing role of the military in civilian life. The Guardian noted that this reflected unease with President Prabowo Subianto’s policies, which have expanded military influence into areas ranging from agriculture to pharmaceuticals.

House Speaker Puan Maharani defended the policy, telling reporters that “the allowances had been thoroughly considered and adjusted to current prices in Jakarta.” However, this statement did little to calm the crowds, many of whom viewed the benefits as a symbol of widening inequality and political corruption.

From protest to clash

On the ground, tensions escalated quickly. AP described how “police fired teargas as the protesters tried to approach the parliament, while protesters fought back by hurling rocks and bottles at riot police and setting fires under a flyover near the heavily guarded parliament compound.” Roads were barricaded, toll gates closed, and more than 1,200 security personnel deployed.

The demonstrations bore a festive yet rebellious symbolism. Reuters and The Guardian both reported that some protesters carried the “pirate flag from the Japanese manga One Piece”, which has become an emblem of youth dissent. Seen on television footage, the black-and-white Jolly Roger was unfurled as a direct challenge to what demonstrators see as government overreach and corruption.

Though clashes were intense, officials noted there were no immediate reports of injuries on August 25. Still, the scale of violence, Molotov cocktails, vandalism, and running street battles, marked the beginning of a volatile week in Jakarta.

Austerity, social media, and disinformation

The protests were not only about allowances. They took place against a backdrop of strict austerity measures introduced by President Prabowo. The Guardian highlighted cuts to education, health, and public works, all of which have sharpened public frustrations.

Digital platforms also played a major role. Vietnam Plus reported that “the Indonesian government has summoned representatives of Meta Platforms Inc., ByteDance’s TikTok, and other social media platforms, ordering them to step up content moderation amid the rapid spread of disinformation online.” Authorities claimed that viral content on TikTok and Instagram, including a deepfake of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani and mislabeled riot footage, “fueled public anger and triggered protests.”

Deputy Minister of Communications Angga Raka Prabowo warned that platforms must remove harmful material “without waiting for an official request.” TikTok and Instagram, each with more than 100mn Indonesian users, are under scrutiny as the government struggles to contain online narratives feeding the protests.

August 28: Labour and student mobilisation

By August 28, labour unions and the Labour Party coalition escalated the demonstrations. Voi.id reported that “the action brought six main demands,” including the abolition of outsourcing, a wage increase of up to 10.5%, labour tax reforms, and anti-corruption measures. The rally drew thousands of workers from the Jabodetabek area, guarded by 4,531 joint personnel from the Jakarta police and Brimob.

Antara described how “joint TNI/Polri personnel closely guarded the front and back doors of the Jakarta DPR Building to anticipate potential riots.” Tactical vehicles were stationed at the Pancasila Gate, while police patrols secured nearby roads. Traffic around Senayan remained heavy but controlled.

As the labour protest dispersed around noon, students from several universities arrived to continue the demonstrations. The Jakarta Globe reported that they marched in formation with banners, stressing that speeches were only permitted until 6:00 pm. Commissioner Ade Ary of the Jakarta Police stressed: “The main principle of this security operation is that the Jakarta Metropolitan Police expects all officers to act humanely and not engage in counterproductive behaviour.”

Ojol drivers become victims

Among the most shocking incidents of the day was the reported trampling of two ojol (ride-hailing) drivers by a police mobile brigade tactical vehicle. Tempo reported that one victim, identified as Affan Kurniawan, was confirmed dead after being taken to Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital (RSCM). Another victim, Moh Umar Amarudin, survived but suffered a broken leg and is currently being treated at Pelni Hospital in West Jakarta.

Lily Pujiati, Chairperson of the Indonesian Transport Workers’ Union (SPAI), condemned the excessive use of force by the police. “The victim died at RSCM. The victim with a broken leg is at Pelni Hospital,” Lily told Tempo on August 28 night. She urged solidarity among ojol drivers, calling on them to unite in monitoring the case until justice is served. “We ask for the public’s support in monitoring the development of this event to prevent violent actions that cause victims.

Riots, vandalism, and unknown actors

Despite attempts at order, the evening of August 28 saw violent escalation. Voi.id quoted Jakarta Police spokesman Kombes Ade Ary: “Other parties who did not express their opinion in front of the DPR building, immediately took anarchic actions. It is not known where the organisation came from, which entity, who the field coordinator, and so on.”

According to police, this unidentified group attacked officers, destroyed public facilities, and vandalised fences, CCTV, and busway separators. Ade Ary noted in Voi.id.

Security forces responded with staged control measures, beginning with appeals and warnings before moving into direct dispersal. Police insisted they acted proportionally, though the intensity of the clashes suggested deepening frustration on both sides.

A test for Prabowo’s government

The August protests, starting with outrage over parliamentary perks and culminating in the violent riots of August 28, underline growing tensions in Indonesia. As The Guardian concluded, the eruption of unrest “may indicate a new level of anger and dissent toward the Prabowo government.”

What began as a student and labour demonstration over wages and corruption has evolved into a test of democratic dissent, government restraint, and the role of digital platforms in fueling movements. With austerity policies deepening and military influence expanding, the protests may not be an isolated event, but rather the beginning of sustained challenges to Indonesia’s political establishment.