Indonesia: Violent rioting continues with three people confirmed dead | DW News

Summary

A deadly fire erupted at a regional parliament building in East Indonesia amid anti-government protests sparked by low wages and privileges for lawmakers. Tensions escalated when a police vehicle fatally struck 21-year-old delivery driver Afan Konawan in Jakarta, igniting national outrage. Abigail Lumuria of independent media platform What Is Up Indonesia explains the protests reflect deep economic struggles and frustration with arrogant, out-of-touch representatives. President Prabowo has met the victim’s family and urged calm, but critics argue the government has yet to address the demonstrators' core demands, leaving underlying issues unresolved and public anger simmering across the nation.

Takeaways

• 🔥 A fire broke out at the regional parliament building in South Sulawesi during anti-government protests.
• ⚡ Violence erupted after security forces killed a civilian at a protest in Indonesia.
• 🛻 In Jakarta, an armored police vehicle killed 21-year-old delivery driver Afan Konawan, who was not part of the demonstration.
• 😡 Afan Konawan’s death sparked national outrage and became a symbol of broader societal frustration.
• 👮 Seven police officers were found to have violated professional ethics following the incident.
• 💸 Public anger stems from economic hardships including rising taxes, job losses, and struggling businesses.
• 🏛️ Citizens are frustrated with politicians’ perceived arrogance, indifference, and insensitive remarks toward the public.
• 📢 Demonstrators protested lawmakers’ allowances, perks, and the growing gap between officials and citizens.
• 🤝 President Suanto visited Afan’s family and offered financial compensation, urging calm in the country.
• ❌ Critics argue that the government has not addressed the core demands of protesters, leaving underlying issues unresolved.
• ⚖️ Calls for justice include fair trials and accountability for those responsible for Afan’s death.
• 🌍 The unrest highlights a wider societal disconnect between Indonesia’s political representatives and the people they serve.

Q & A

What event triggered the fire at the regional parliament building in East Indonesia?

The fire broke out during anti-government clashes that erupted after security forces killed a civilian during a protest over lawmakers’ allowances and privileges.

Who was Afan Konawan and what happened to him?

Afan Konawan was a 21-year-old delivery driver in Jakarta who was killed when an armored police vehicle plowed into him while he was just doing his job and was not part of the protest.

How did the public react to Afan Konawan’s death?

His death ignited national outrage, with citizens demanding justice for Afan and accountability for the police officers responsible.

What underlying issues contributed to the public anger in Indonesia?

Public anger was fueled by economic hardships such as a worsening economy, high unemployment, struggling businesses, rising taxes, and political frustrations including perceived arrogance and indifference from lawmakers.

Can you give examples of the perceived arrogance of Indonesian lawmakers mentioned in the transcript?

One lawmaker referred to protesting citizens as 'idiots,' and another called them 'peasants,' highlighting a disconnect and tone-deaf attitude toward the public.

How did President Prau respond to the protests and Afan Konawan’s death?

He visited Afan’s family, offered financial compensation, issued a public statement urging calm, and expressed concern, but he did not address the core demands of the demonstrators.

How many police officers were found to have violated professional ethics related to these events?

Seven police officers were found to have violated professional ethics.

What role did economic difficulties play in escalating the protests?

Economic difficulties such as layoffs, unemployment, and struggling businesses increased public frustration, which was compounded by government policies perceived as worsening citizens’ conditions.

According to Abigail Lumuria, why is there a disconnect between the people and their leaders?

She explained that many representatives feel untouchable due to political power and alliances, leading to a widening gap between their actions and the needs of the people they represent.

Why did Afan Konawan’s death become a symbol of national outrage?

Because he was an innocent bystander killed while performing his job, his death highlighted systemic issues of government arrogance, police misconduct, and the broader public dissatisfaction with leadership.

What were the demonstrators’ primary grievances beyond Afan’s death?

They were protesting low wages, lavish perks and allowances for lawmakers, economic inequality, and the general sense of disregard from political representatives.

How long had President Prau been in office when these protests occurred?

He had been in office for less than a year.