Indonesia is in turmoil as mass protests spiral into a nationwide uprising following a controversial decision to increase MPs’ allowances.

For over a week, demonstrations have erupted across the country—women in pink uniforms marched with brooms, protesters torched regional parliament buildings, and violent clashes with police left casualties.

The spark came on August 25 in Jakarta but escalated after a 21-year-old motorcyclist was killed on August 28, run over by a police vehicle during clashes.

Despite apologies from President Prabowo Subianto and the police chief, unrest continues. Protesters say MPs already earn over 100 million rupiah ($6,150) per month—30 times the national average—while ordinary citizens struggle with rising costs. Experts warn the uprising could reshape Indonesia’s political system.

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has canceled his upcoming visit to China due to violent protests that have erupted across several cities, including Jakarta. At least three people have died, and numerous government buildings and police facilities have been set on fire. The unrest began after 21-year-old motorcyclist Affan Kurniawan was killed by a police armored vehicle. President Prabowo will remain in Indonesia to monitor the situation and has ordered an investigation into police conduct, promising accountability for excessive force.

At least three people died and five were injured after protesters set fire to a regional parliament building in Makassar, South Sulawesi. The unrest began in Jakarta earlier this week over lawmakers’ salaries, labor wages, taxes, and anti-corruption measures. Violence escalated after a ride-hailing motorbike driver was killed by a police vehicle. Protests also hit major cities like Bandung and Jakarta, causing looting and infrastructure damage. Analysts call this the biggest political test for President Prabowo Subianto’s government.

Across Indonesia, citizens are protesting to demand lower lawmakers’ salaries, higher labor wages, reduced taxes, and anti-corruption measures. Led by students, the movement has spread to multiple cities since Monday. The death of delivery rider Afan Kurniawan under a police vehicle during a crackdown has fueled anger nationwide. Demonstrators have clashed with police, damaged property, and set vehicles on fire. President Prabowo Subianto called for calm and ordered a full investigation, while civil rights groups condemned the police’s harsh response.

Indonesia is purchasing land in Mecca to develop a dedicated Hajj village for its pilgrims. The plan was agreed upon by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Royal Commission of Mecca has offered eight plots near the city, ranging from 25 to 80 hectares, for the project. The Saudi government will relocate current residents, while Indonesia will focus on land acquisition. The village will provide accommodation and commercial areas to ease the pilgrimage experience for Indonesian Hajj and Umrah visitors.

Indonesia is grappling with a severe youth unemployment crisis, with over 16% of its 44 million young people aged 15–24 out of work—double the rate in Thailand and Vietnam. Many graduates, like law student Andreas Hutapea, are unable to secure stable jobs despite repeated attempts. A recent survey shows Indonesian youth are significantly less optimistic about their economic future than peers in neighboring countries. The data highlights growing anxiety and uncertainty among the nation’s youth over employment and long-term stability.

Indonesia has signed a trade deal with the U.S. that imposes a 19% tariff on Indonesian goods entering America while granting duty-free access to U.S. products. As part of the agreement, Indonesia will purchase 50 Boeing jets, $15 billion in American energy products, and $4.5 billion in agricultural goods. The deal was finalized ahead of an August 1 deadline previously set under Trump's 32% tariff plan. Analysts suggest Indonesia may be exempted from a new 50% copper tariff starting next month.

A strong 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Indonesia’s Maluku province on Monday, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake occurred at a depth of 66 kilometers, about 177 kilometers west of Tual city. Authorities confirmed there was no tsunami threat. No immediate reports of casualties or damages have emerged. Indonesia frequently experiences seismic activity due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Previous quakes in 2018 and 2004 caused devastating loss of life.

A powerful eruption from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Indonesia’s Flores Island sent ash 18 km into the sky, disrupting air travel and affecting nearby villages. At least 24 international and domestic flights, including those between Bali, Australia, Singapore, and South Korea, were canceled. No casualties have been reported, but authorities recorded gas clouds with rocks and lava stretching 5 km. Officials warn of increased risks and may revise safety guidelines. Sunlight was briefly blocked in nearby areas due to heavy ashfall.

A ferry carrying 65 people, including 53 passengers and 12 crew members, sank off the coast of Bali, Indonesia. The ferry, named KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, also had 22 vehicles on board. As of the latest update, two bodies have been recovered and 20 passengers rescued, with at least 43 still missing. The vessel sank roughly 30 minutes after departing East Java’s Ketapang Port. Rescue operations with nine boats continued overnight amid rough seas, a recurring factor in Indonesia’s frequent maritime accidents.

Indonesia has signed a $10 billion contract with Turkey to purchase 48 fifth-generation fighter jets, marking Turkey’s largest defense export deal. The agreement was finalized at the Indo Defence 2025 exhibition in Jakarta, with plans for joint production of some jet parts in Indonesia over a 10-year period. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan thanked Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto for the partnership. Analysts view this as a significant milestone, with Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia also showing interest in the project.