Indonesian Protests Cause Deaths, Market Drop, Government Cuts Lawmakers' Perks

In Indonesia, widespread protests initially sparked by outrage over lawmakers' pay and police brutality escalated into deadly riots, resulting in eight fatalities and extensive destruction, including looting of political figures' homes and government buildings. President Prabowo Subianto responded by ordering military and police action against rioters and announcing a cut in lawmakers' perks to appease protesters. Despite some student groups and civil society organizations, including the Alliance of Indonesian Women, postponing planned protests to avoid violent crackdowns, hundreds of students still gathered in major cities like Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Makassar, demanding broader reforms such as comprehensive police reform. The unrest has unsettled financial markets, with the stock market experiencing significant declines. Social media warnings about fake protest calls have added to the complexity of the situation. The protests represent the most serious challenge to President Prabowo's government since taking office nearly a year ago, reflecting deep public dissatisfaction with governance and security issues.