Protesters have been killed, buildings torched and politicians' houses looted as anti-government unrest spreads across Indonesia - and the authorities respond with force.
Mass demonstrations, fueled by cost-of-living woes and public frustration with the political elite, first erupted in Jakarta on 25 August to condemn what many viewed as excessive pay and housing allowances for parliamentarians.
By the end of the week, things had boiled over into violence. On Thursday night, following escalating clashes between demonstrators and authorities, police in Jakarta ran over and killed 21-year-old motorcycle rideshare driver Affan Kurniawan.
President Prabowo Subianto and the chief of police apologized for his death - but it fueled further discontent that has now spread to various corners of the archipelago, from West Java to the islands of Bali and Lombok.
At least seven people had died in the protests by Monday, according to Indonesia's coordinating minister for economic affairs.
The Perks that Sparked a Protest
The primary trigger for the protests was the Indonesian government's decision to raise the allowance for national parliamentarians.
Local media last month reported that they were paid upwards of 100 million rupiah (£4,499; $6,150) a month - more than 30 times the average national income - including a substantial housing allowance.
Meanwhile, everyday Indonesians were struggling because of a cost-of-living crisis.
As citizens faced economic insecurity, the notion that the wealthy political class would see their incomes rise filled people with rage, leading them to express that anger on the streets.
Following Affan's death, the protests expanded to include issues of police brutality and calls for accountability, alongside systemic grievances about political corruption and social inequality.
The Crackdown
In response to the unrest, President Prabowo ordered military and police to take stronger action against rioters, looters, and arsonists. Protesters have damaged and torched regional legislation buildings across Indonesia.
Amid ongoing protests, Prabowo announced measures to rein in some state-funded perks for politicians, which were welcomed by some but criticized as insufficient by activists seeking deeper reforms.
As the government battles to maintain control, TikTok has temporarily ceased its live streaming feature in Indonesia to limit potential mobilization via social media.
An Opportunity for Change
The current protests pose the most significant challenge to Prabowo's leadership, as he grapples with public demands for accountability and reform while navigating the risks of excessive state violence and repression.
Though some protests have paused due to heightened security measures, experts warn that without addressing underlying economic issues, the unrest could continue to escalate, leading to further calls for systemic change.
