Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto commented on individuals identifying as democracy activists, saying some have been involved in acts of violence and damage to democratic institutions.
"They claim to be democracy activists, but they burn down democratic institutions, including the Parliament building, which was built with the people's money," Prabowo said during the inauguration of new students and the graduation ceremony at Universitas Kebangsaan Republik Indonesia (UKRI), held at the Trans Convention Center in Bandung, West Java, on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The event was streamed live on UKRI TV's YouTube channel.
Prabowo also condemned the destruction of public facilities during recent demonstrations, including bus terminals used by ordinary citizens.
"Those who destroy bus terminals forget that they are used by people who don't own cars," he said.
The president urged Indonesia's national leaders to stop attacking one another and instead focus on unity and the preservation of the country's natural resources. He said political differences were natural in a democracy but should not lead to hostility.
"You can have different political views, that's not a problem. There are parties A, B, C, and D. But you should not criticize or fight each other," Prabowo said.
He described Indonesia's democracy and economy as being rooted in a sense of kinship and collective spirit, warning that those who incite division do so out of malice.
"It's impossible for a football team to score without working together. Likewise, a nation cannot progress if its leaders are divided, driven by ambition, spreading fear, and undermining optimism," he said.
Prabowo's remarks came in the wake of widespread demonstrations that erupted across several regions in late August 2025. Initially sparked by public discontent over parliamentary allowances, the protests escalated into riots and looting in multiple cities.
On Thursday, August 28, 2025, labor unions held a separate rally outside the Parliament complex in Jakarta, which later turned violent.
The unrest peaked when a Jakarta Metro Police's Mobile Brigade (Brimob) vehicle struck Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, near the Bendungan Hilir II Flats in Central Jakarta.
Tensions continued to rise the following night, Friday, August 29, 2025, as clashes between protesters and security forces intensified.
Police fired volleys of tear gas, while protesters set fire to several government buildings, including local Regional Representative Council (DPRD) offices, police stations, and various public facilities such as bus stops and train stations.