Protests have engulfed Indonesia following the death of a young delivery driver, sparking widespread unrest and calls for government reform. The demonstrations, which began on August 25 in Jakarta, have since spread across the archipelago, fueled by public anger over lawmakers' benefits and a deepening cost-of-living crisis.

Origins of the Unrest

The protests were initially triggered by revelations of substantial housing allowances for parliamentarians, which stood in stark contrast to the austerity measures affecting ordinary Indonesians. Reports indicated that lawmakers received upwards of 100 million rupiah monthly, more than 30 times the average national income. This disparity, coupled with economic struggles, ignited public fury.

The Death of Affan Kurniawan

Tensions escalated dramatically after the death of Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old motorcycle rideshare driver, who was run over by police during a protest in Jakarta. His death became a symbol of police brutality and further fueled the protests, which have since claimed at least seven lives and left 20 people missing, according to human rights group KontraS.

Government Response and Public Reaction

President Prabowo Subianto, facing one of the most significant challenges of his presidency, has attempted to quell the unrest by announcing cuts to lawmakers' perks. However, critics argue that these measures do not address the root causes of discontent, such as political corruption and social inequality. The UN has urged an investigation into the alleged excessive use of force by security forces during the protests.

Nationwide Impact and Future Implications

The protests have led to significant damage, with government buildings and police headquarters set ablaze in cities like Makassar and Yogyakarta. Authorities have detained over 1,240 individuals, and the economic toll is estimated at 55 billion rupiah. Despite increased security measures, including city patrols and checkpoints, the unrest shows no signs of abating.