Mob sets ablaze Indonesian regional parliament, causing at least 3 fatalities
Protests and clashes between riot police and demonstrators have escalated across multiple cities in Indonesia, following the death of a 21-year-old ride-hailing driver named Affan Kurniawan. The incidents were reported in cities such as Bali, Medan, Solo, Yogyakarta, Magelang, Malang, Bengkulu, Pekanbaru, and Manokwari in Papua.
The violence has resulted in several casualties. On Saturday morning (Makassar time), rescuers retrieved three bodies, while five people were hospitalised with burns or broken bones. In Jakarta, about 25 officers were hospitalised with serious injuries after being attacked by protesters.
The protests began as a show of solidarity for Kurniawan, who was reportedly hit by an armoured car from the National Police's Mobile Brigade unit during a rally in Jakarta. The video of his death on social media shocked the nation and sparked an outcry against the security forces.
The leader of the Indonesian National Police, Listyo Sigit Prabowo, stated that such situations are no longer considered freedom of expression, but rather criminal acts. Protesters, however, have called for police reform and the release of those arrested during the protests.
The unrest has spread to various regions, with buildings and public facilities set on fire and even police headquarters attacked. In Makassar, South Sulawesi province, an angry mob set fire to a local parliament building, leaving at least three people dead and five others hospitalised. Protesters in West Java's Bandung city also set a regional parliament ablaze on Friday, but no casualties were reported. In Surabaya, protesters stormed the regional police headquarters, causing damage and torching vehicles.
The Komnas HAM believes that the number of injured people on the community side is much bigger. The national police chief general Listyo Sigit Prabowo's statement came after the escalation of the protests, which have widened and become more violent.
Foreign embassies in Jakarta have advised their citizens to avoid demonstration areas or large public gatherings. The escalating nationwide protests have also led to the cancellation of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's planned visit to China next week.
In a bid to address the issue, the Indonesian government announced last year an allowance for all 580 lawmakers, which is almost 10 times the Jakarta minimum wage. However, this move has been met with criticism and has further fuelled the protests.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Indonesian authorities are working to restore peace and order, while the nation grapples with the aftermath of the violent protests.
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