"Real aspirations must be respected. The right to peaceful assembly must be protected," he said at the Merdeka Palace on Sunday. "However, it cannot be denied that there are signs of unlawful actions, even those leading to treason and terrorism."
He emphasized that the government will take a firm stance against any acts of anarchy that harm the public. He has instructed the National Police (Polri) and the Indonesian Military (TNI) to act decisively against those who vandalize public facilities, loot homes, or disrupt economic activity.
The President assured the public that democratic spaces remain open for all to voice their opinions and encouraged them to express their views in an orderly and peaceful manner, ensuring that their concerns would be heard and addressed.
The statement was made in response to ongoing protests across Jakarta and other regions. Prabowo was accompanied by a number of prominent political figures, including former President Megawati Soekarnoputri, Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Puan Maharani, and several political party leaders.
The recent protests across Indonesia were primarily fueled by public outrage over a proposed monthly housing allowance of Rp50 million (about US$3,000) for members of parliament, which many considered excessive amid rising living costs and a weak economy.
The situation was exacerbated by several legislators' comments that were perceived as insensitive and out of touch, such as comparing themselves to manual laborers, calling protesters "dumb," and justifying the allowance by citing their own long commutes.
The demonstrations escalated and became more violent after a video went viral showing a police tactical vehicle running over and killing a motorcycle taxi driver during a protest in Jakarta.
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Translator: Andi, Kenzu
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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