Jakarta (Indonesia): Planned protests in Indonesia’s capital were called off Monday after police tightened security in response to a week of escalating demonstrations over lawmakers’ benefits that have already left eight people dead.
Student coalitions and civil society organizations, including the influential Alliance of Indonesian Women, announced the cancellation citing “impossible conditions” for safely demonstrating and fears of a government crackdown.
The protests, which began last week over a controversial increase in lawmakers’ pay, turned deadly after a police vehicle fatally struck a motorcycle taxi driver in Jakarta on Thursday night, sparking widespread outrage. Demonstrations quickly spread across the country, some turning violent, with rioters targeting political party offices and government buildings.
In a bid to contain the unrest, President Prabowo Subianto announced on Sunday that political parties had agreed to scale back lawmakers’ benefits. However, he also ordered security forces to take firm action against rioters and looters.
By Monday morning, police had set up checkpoints throughout Jakarta and were patrolling major areas in a show of force. A convoy of armored vehicles was seen arriving at Parliament late Sunday, further underscoring the government’s zero-tolerance approach to further unrest.
Authorities say the measures are intended to “protect” citizens and restore a sense of calm, but human rights groups warn that the militarized response could further inflame tensions.
As of now, the situation in Jakarta remains tense but calm, with protests largely subdued under the watch of a heavy security presence.
