Protesters in Jakarta again confronted police on 28 August, expressing outrage over lawmakers’ high salaries and perks. The unrest turned tragic when a motorcyclist was killed by a police vehicle, leading President Prabowo Subianto to call for calm and launch an investigation.
Violent demonstrations erupted in Jakarta over parliamentarians’ pay, education funding, and the school meals program.
On Thursday, police fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse crowds, while some protesters responded with fireworks, setting police vehicles ablaze.
Tragically, a motorcyclist was killed when his bike and armoured police vehicle collided.
Jakarta Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri expressed deep condolences. "As police chief and on behalf of the entire unit, I would like to express my deepest apologies and condolences."
Seven crew members of the vehicle have been arrested, and a full investigation is underway, according to Abdul Karim, head of the professional and security division of the Indonesian police.
President Prabowo addressed the incident in a recorded video, urging citizens to remain calm and trust the government, stating that an investigation into the death had been ordered.
Student groups, led by Muzammil Ihsan of Indonesia’s largest student union, plan to protest at Jakarta’s police headquarters, with other student organisations expected to join. Ihsan said, "We will protest against police violence and demand accountability."
Demonstrators also voiced frustration over parliamentarians’ high pay, reportedly upwards of 100 million rupiah ($6,150) per month, far exceeding the national average of 3.1 million rupiah ($190.68).
Many accused the government of serving 'corrupt elites,' conglomerates, and the military, highlighting concerns about the growing role of armed forces in civilian life under President Prabowo, a former general.
Afghanistan and Belarus have agreed to advance joint industrial projects, investment and technical cooperation following talks in Minsk, as Kabul s...
Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are drawing up a new programme aimed at boosting bilateral trade to $1 billion by 2030, as the two countries move to deep...
Australia on Thursday condemned Israel’s decision to close its criminal investigation into the deaths of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom ...
The collective-defence agreement between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signals that regional powers no longer want to rely solely on external security guarantees. Whether it becomes a stabilising deterrent or another axis of rivalry remains unresolved.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, according to the latest data, as uncertainty over the waterway’s reopening kept most shipowners away. Six commodity vessels crossed the strait on Tuesday, down from nine the day before and below the 10-day daily average of 11.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 19th of August, covering the latest developments.
Australia on Thursday condemned Israel’s decision to close its criminal investigation into the deaths of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six World Central Kitchen colleagues killed in Gaza in April 2024.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
North Korea has fired more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles after U.S. President Donald Trump reduced American participation in joint military exercises with South Korea in an effort to revive dialogue with Pyongyang.
Georgia’s foreign trade data for January-July 2026 shows Kyrgyzstan, China and Russia as its top three export markets, highlighting its Middle Corridor ambitions and complex economic ties with Moscow.
Kazakhstan will vote on 23 August in its first parliamentary election under the new Constitution, choosing 145 members of the new Kurultai under a fundamentally changed electoral system based entirely on party lists.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment