Juan Ardya Guardiola, Antara, Jakarta – Indonesia's top security officials on Saturday appealed for calm as violent protests in Jakarta stretched into their fifth day and began spilling into other cities.
National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo and Armed Forces Commander General Agus Subiyanto urged demonstrators to exercise restraint following a closed-door meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at his private residence in Bogor, West Java.
The unrest was sparked by public anger over lawmakers' lavish allowances but escalated sharply after the death of Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver fatally struck by a police armored vehicle on Thursday. The incident fueled demands for Listyo's resignation and unleashed widespread attacks on police stations, public facilities, and transport infrastructure across the capital.
Since then, protesters have torched government vehicles, vandalized police outposts, and burned at least seven TransJakarta bus stations, forcing the suspension of the city's entire bus fleet. Demonstrators also stormed and looted the home of controversial MP Ahmad Sahroni, further intensifying tensions.
The unrest underscores the growing challenge facing President Prabowo as he balances demands for accountability with efforts to maintain stability in Southeast Asia's largest democracy.
"The president's instruction is clear: acts of anarchy will be met with firm measures from both the military and the police in accordance with the law," Listyo said after meeting Prabowo. He stressed that violent attacks on public facilities are intolerable and that security forces will act decisively to restore order.
When asked about growing calls for his resignation, the embattled police chief responded: "My appointment is the prerogative right of the president."
General Agus echoed the appeal, urging demonstrators to stop violent actions while affirming their right to peaceful expression. "I urge all members of society to avoid further escalation and restore order across Indonesia," he said.
Freedom of speech is guaranteed by the constitution, but vandalism and violent attacks are crimes punishable under the law, the general added.
The protests, which began on August 25, have paralyzed parts of Jakarta. Police stations in at least five districts were attacked, toll roads were temporarily closed, and commuter train services near parliament were repeatedly suspended.