Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto warned that certain groups are attempting to erode public confidence in his administration. Without naming the parties involved, he described the challenge as one that must be met through dialogue.
"I regret that there are those who seek to diminish the people's trust in the government. But we view this as a challenge to be faced," Prabowo said during a media briefing in Hambalang, West Java, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, as quoted by the presidential communication team.
The president stressed that his government would prioritize dialogue with all elements of society while focusing on tackling problems in the job market.
Prabowo emphasized that his administration had expanded job opportunities across multiple sectors and promised even greater potential ahead.
"We understand that some groups still face difficulties in finding work. But we have shown that under my leadership, the government has created sufficient jobs, and the prospects for the future are significant," he said.
He added that social protection programs were also being prepared for the country's poorest citizens, though he declined to go into specifics. "I won't go into too much detail; you can see the numbers yourselves," Prabowo said.
Protests turn violent
Demonstrations have gripped Jakarta and other cities since August 25, 2025, beginning with public opposition to increased parliamentary allowances, which many saw as insensitive to widespread economic hardship.
The unrest escalated on August 28 when a police tactical vehicle ran over an ojek (motorbike taxi) driver, Affan Kurniawan. Looting later broke out at lawmakers' residences, including the home of then-Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, alongside attacks on public facilities.
On September 1, protests in South Sulawesi culminated in the burning of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) building, killing four civil servants. Visiting injured police officers at Kramat Jati Police Hospital in Jakarta, Prabowo denounced the incident as an attempt to incite rebellion.
"Remember, in South Sulawesi four innocent civil servants, non-political individuals, lost their lives. The DPRD building was set ablaze. This is an act of sedition, not an expression of aspiration," he declared.
– Eka Yudha Saputra contributed to the writing of this article.