Six People Killed in Protests in Indonesia Amid Widespread Security Alert

SadaNews - Indonesia is witnessing a state of escalating security tension following the death of six individuals during angry protests that erupted due to low wages compared to the financial benefits granted to officials.

The protests began peacefully last Monday in major cities across Indonesia, including the capital Jakarta, to condemn the low wages and allowances provided to officials.

The protests have spread to include major cities in the archipelago, including Yogyakarta, Bandung, Semarang, and Surabaya in Java, and Medan in North Sumatra.

Demonstrations extended from the capital Jakarta to major cities in Java and Sumatra, accompanied by violence, arson, and looting, prompting authorities to deploy armored forces and establish checkpoints around the parliament and vital streets.

Under pressure from the streets, President Prabowo Subianto announced a partial withdrawal from some controversial privileges, including a housing allowance estimated at three thousand dollars, and canceled an official visit to China.

In a televised speech, he affirmed respect for freedom of expression but warned that the transformation of protests into chaos and assaults is considered "treason and terrorism" that the state will not tolerate.

The protests, which started peacefully, intensified following the death of a young driver who was run over by an armored vehicle during the demonstrations, igniting widespread public anger and raising demands for accountability from those responsible for the incident, amid increasing fears of the spread of unrest in the world's largest Muslim-majority country.

In anticipation of further protests today, Monday, in new areas of the archipelago, the police have established checkpoints throughout the capital Jakarta. A police spokesperson stated that their personnel are also patrolling the city "to protect citizens and provide a sense of security."

Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto warned yesterday that the army and police will take "decisive measures" against what he termed "rioters and thieves" following the looting of a finance minister's house.