Deadly clashes as anti-government protests escalate in Indonesia | 7.30

Summary

A peaceful protest against lucrative politician allowances in Indonesia escalated into violent clashes with police, resulting in deaths and injuries, including the fatality of a 16-year-old student. The protests have spread across the country, with calls for political and economic reform, as well as demands for transparency in investigations. Despite crackdowns, protests continue, highlighting the deep frustrations with poverty, unemployment, and corruption. President Subanto's response, including revoking certain allowances and ordering investigations, has done little to calm the unrest, with many hoping for peaceful, systemic change.

Takeaways

• 🪧 What began as a peaceful demonstration outside Indonesia's parliament escalated into violent clashes between police and protesters.
• 💰 Protesters were initially motivated by outrage over politicians receiving housing allowances of over $4,000 AUD a month, nearly ten times the minimum wage.
• 🚓 Police used an armored vehicle to disperse crowds, resulting in the death of ride-share driver Afan Konawan.
• 🧑‍🎓 High school student Andika Luti Fala suffered fatal injuries during the protest and later died in the ICU.
• ⚠️ Families of victims, like Andika's, are grieving and resistant to investigations into the causes of these fatal injuries.
• 🌍 Civil society groups report at least 10 deaths and dozens missing, raising serious human rights concerns about the Brimob paramilitary unit's actions.
• 🛑 Amnesty International criticized President Subanto for labeling peaceful protesters as anarchists, terrorists, and traitors, warning it could worsen violence.
• 🔥 Protests turned into unrest, including looting of MPs’ homes and firebombing of police and government buildings.
• 🤝 In attempts at reconciliation, protesters have been seen distributing flowers and shaking hands with police, even with the tactical unit responsible for Afan’s death.
• 📉 Economic frustrations fuel protests, with 24 million Indonesians living in poverty and high youth unemployment driving demands for economic and political reforms.
• 📜 Student leaders and other groups are negotiating with parliament, presenting a list of demands including the release of arrested protesters and government transparency.
• 🚨 Despite heavy police presence and fears of crackdown, scattered protests continue across Indonesia, highlighting ongoing civil unrest.

Q & A

What sparked the protests in Indonesia last week?

The protests were sparked by politicians receiving housing allowances of more than $4,000 Australian dollars a month, nearly 10 times the minimum wage, which led to widespread public outrage.

What was the outcome of the protest involving the armored vehicle?

During the protest, police drove an armored vehicle into the crowd, resulting in the death of a young rideshare driver, Afan Konawan.

Who was Andika Luti Fala, and what happened to him?

Andika Luti Fala was a 16-year-old high school student who was severely injured during the protests. He ended up in the ICU with a fractured skull and brain bleeding, and died several days later.

What is the reaction of Andika's family regarding his death?

Andika's family is devastated by his death and is struggling to come to terms with it. They have also expressed reluctance about an investigation into the cause of his fatal injuries.

How has the unrest affected the country?

The unrest has spread across Indonesia, with at least 10 people reported dead and dozens missing. Protests have escalated, including looting, firebombing, and destruction of government buildings.

What is the role of Brimob in the protests, and why are they being criticized?

Brimob is a tactical paramilitary unit usually deployed for counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations. They have been criticized for using excessive force against protesters, including their involvement in the deaths of demonstrators.

What was Amnesty International's concern regarding President Subanto's comments?

Amnesty International expressed concern over President Subanto labeling some protesters as anarchists, terrorists, and treasonous. These labels were seen as dangerous and an attempt to justify police brutality.

What actions did President Subanto take to address the protests?

In response to the protests, President Subanto announced that certain allowances for politicians would be revoked and called for transparency in the investigation into the death of Afan Konawan.

How have delivery riders been involved in the protests, and what is their message?

Delivery riders, such as Resca Amalia, have been deeply involved in the protests, representing the economic struggles of millions of Indonesians. While they are angry about the state of the economy and poverty, they call for peaceful revolution and change.

What are the demands being made by student leaders and other protest groups?

Student leaders and other protest groups are demanding economic and political reforms, as well as the release of arrested protesters. They have set a deadline for the end of the week for these demands to be addressed.