Harumbi Prastya Hidayahningrum, Ricki Putra Harahap, Hendro D Situmorang, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday announced sweeping measures to address public anger after violent protests erupted across Indonesia, pledging accountability in a police brutality case and backing reforms to rein in lawmakers' benefits.
Speaking at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Prabowo said police are investigating a Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officer who fatally struck 21-year-old ride-hailing driver Affan Kurniawan with an armored vehicle, an incident that ignited nationwide outrage.
"I have instructed that this investigation be carried out quickly, transparently, and in a way that the public can monitor," Prabowo told reporters.
The president also welcomed steps by party leaders and the House of Representatives (DPR) to roll back controversial perks for lawmakers. Beginning Monday, lawmakers will see certain allowances scrapped and overseas work trips suspended under a new moratorium.
"DPR leaders conveyed that several policies will be revoked, including the size of lawmakers' benefits and foreign working visits," Prabowo said.
Prabowo convened senior political figures to secure consensus on the government's response. In addition to Megawati Soekarnoputri, chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), attendees included Zulkifli Hasan of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono of the Democratic Party, Herman Khaeron of Golkar, and Ahmad Muzani of Gerindra.
The measures come after days of protests that began as peaceful demonstrations over parliamentary perks but spiraled into rioting, with government buildings torched and private property attacked.
Prabowo stressed that his administration respects freedom of expression as enshrined in Indonesia's constitution and international conventions, including Article 19 of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
"Peaceful assembly and expression of aspirations must be respected," he said. "But when demonstrations turn anarchic, destroying public facilities, endangering lives, and attacking private homes or public institutions, this becomes a serious violation of law."
The president cautioned that violent acts risk veering into treason and terrorism, warning that the state would not tolerate attempts to destabilize the country.
"The state must be present to protect its people. Law enforcement must be carried out if violations threaten public safety," Prabowo said.
Prabowo further called on the public to express their aspirations in a peaceful, clear, and constructive manner.
"We assure you that your voices will be heard, recorded, and acted upon," he said.
He added that he would ask the DPR leadership to invite community figures, students, and various groups to open channels for constructive dialogue. Prabowo also urged Indonesians to protect national unity at a time of heightened tensions, warning against provocations by groups seeking to divide the nation.
"Let us preserve our national unity. Indonesia stands at the threshold of a great rise. Do not let ourselves be pitted against one another. Voice aspirations peacefully, without destruction, without violence, without looting, without riots, without acts that harm public facilities," he stressed.
Prabowo reminded citizens that destroying public infrastructure is equivalent to wasting taxpayer money and cautioned against interference by groups opposed to Indonesia's progress.
Concluding his remarks, the president underlined that the government would continue to improve alongside its people.
"Let us work together to correct all the shortcomings in our government and our nation," he said.