Antara, Erfan Maruf, Jakarta – Violent protests across Indonesia over the past week have left a trail of destruction, with damages to state buildings and public infrastructure estimated at nearly Rp 900 billion ($55 million), Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo said on Tuesday.
"According to our estimate, the overall costs resulting from property damages across Indonesia are almost Rp 900 billion," Dody said during an inspection at a damaged toll road gate in Jakarta.
While the unrest began in Jakarta, East Java suffered the heaviest losses, where protesters burned down the Kediri Regency legislative building and provincial government offices. In Makassar, South Sulawesi, the local legislature was reduced to ashes in a blaze that killed at least four people.
The unrest was triggered by public outrage over parliamentary perks, particularly the Rp 50 million ($3,000) monthly housing allowance for lawmakers. Many Indonesians view the benefit as emblematic of privilege and detachment among political elites, since the allowance is nearly ten times the average basic monthly salary in Jakarta.
The protests escalated after a motorcycle taxi driver was fatally struck by a police armored vehicle during a rally in Jakarta on August 28, sparking nationwide anger. Demonstrators subsequently looted the homes of four lawmakers and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, further intensifying demands for accountability.
Despite government pledges to review allowances and restore order, protests have persisted sporadically in multiple cities, often descending into violence and vandalism.
"Roughly speaking, East Java and the city of Makassar shouldered the biggest financial losses from the violent rallies," Dody said, without elaborating further.
In Jakarta alone, Governor Pramono Anung estimated Rp 55 billion ($3.3 million) in damages to public facilities, including Rp 3.3 billion for the MRT system, Rp 41.6 billion for the TransJakarta bus network, and Rp 5.5 billion for CCTV and other infrastructure.
A total of 22 TransJakarta bus shelters were damaged, six of which were completely destroyed by fire. Cleanup began on Saturday, and repairs are expected to be completed by September 9, Pramono said. He added that more than 700 civilians were injured during the unrest in the capital.
Government officials have emphasized that while security forces continue to enforce order, they are also working to reassure businesses and investors that stability will be restored. The dual approach, officials said, is aimed at protecting both Indonesia's economy and public trust in the face of widespread discontent.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/infrastructure-losses-from-indonesia-protests-top-55-millio