Three killed as Indonesia protests turn deadly in Makassar
3 Min Read
Nationwide outrage grows in Indonesia after a gig worker is fatally struck by a police vehicle, sparking violent protests and raising pressure on President Prabowo’s new administration.
-
People inspect the wreckages of cars burned in a protest against lavish allowances given to parliament members in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, Saturday, August 30, 2025. (AP)
A protest-ignited fire at a council building in Makassar, eastern Indonesia, claimed three lives, a local official reported Saturday. The blaze erupted amid nationwide demonstrations over the death of a motorcycle taxi driver struck by a police vehicle.
Anger flared across several Indonesian cities, including Jakarta, after footage emerged showing the gig driver being run over by a police tactical vehicle during earlier rallies protesting low wages and alleged excessive perks for lawmakers.
In Makassar, the largest city on Sulawesi island, unrest turned violent outside provincial and city council offices. Protesters set both buildings ablaze, torched vehicles, and hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails at security forces.
Rahmat Mappatoba, secretary of the Makassar city council, confirmed the fatalities.
“They were trapped in the burning building,” he told AFP, blaming protesters for storming the office and setting it on fire.
“This is beyond our prediction. Usually, during a demonstration, protesters only throw rocks or burn a tyre in front of the office. They never storm into the building or burn it.”
Two of the deceased were council staff members, while the third was a civil servant. Two victims died at the scene; the third succumbed to injuries in the hospital. Moreover, at least four others were injured and are receiving treatment.
Chaotic scenes
Footage from the scene showed hundreds of people cheering and clapping as flames engulfed the building, with minimal security presence. A man was heard shouting, “There are people upstairs!” In AFP-verified clips, debris rained from the council’s roof as palm trees swayed beside smouldering vehicles. Images also showed the South Sulawesi provincial council in flames overnight after protesters attempted to breach its gates.
In Jakarta, hundreds gathered outside the Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) headquarters, accusing the unit of causing the gig driver's death on Thursday. Protesters launched firecrackers, prompting police to fire tear gas. Some demonstrators attempted to tear down the gates and removed a sign from the building during a tense standoff.
Police confirmed that seven officers have been detained for questioning.
The unrest marks the most severe challenge yet to President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, less than a year into his term. The president swiftly called for calm, ordered a full investigation, and visited Kuniawan’s family.
“I have ordered last night’s incident to be thoroughly and transparently investigated, and that the officers involved be held accountable,” Prabowo said.
In a later Instagram post, Prabowo pledged government support for the victim’s family, sharing photos of his visit.
He reiterated his commitment to securing their livelihood amid growing discontent over state budget cuts to fund populist programmes, including a billion-dollar free meal scheme.
Protests also spread to Yogyakarta, Bandung, Semarang, and Surabaya in Java, as well as Medan in North Sumatra province, signalling broader nationwide discontent.
Read more: Indonesia chief accuses foreign-backed NGOs of fueling division
