Protests in Indonesia are growing amid ongoing discontent with the government’s economic policies.
Protests began last week in the capital, Jakarta, over excessive pay and perks for lawmakers. They escalated on Thursday after a police armored vehicle struck and killed the driver of a ride-hailing motorbike.
There have been reports of demonstrators damaging public facilities. A regional parliament building was set ablaze on Friday in Makassar, the capital city of South Sulawesi province. Local media reported at least four people died there.
Indonesia’s National Police issued a statement on Saturday that said developments over the past two days indicate a tendency toward anarchic actions in several regions, ranging from the burning of buildings and public facilities, attacks on headquarters, and other destructive actions. The police statement said these acts are clearly unlawful.
President Prabowo Subianto’s office announced on Saturday that he had decided to cancel his visit to China to attend a military parade and other events scheduled for Wednesday.
The Japanese Embassy in Jakarta is urging Japanese nationals who live in the country to absolutely avoid unnecessary outings.
