Protests erupted in Jakarta, Surabaya and other Indonesian cities in August, involving unionised workers, students, ride-share drivers, and other groups over job losses, high living costs and government policies. Violence escalated after a police vehicle struck and killed a ride-share driver in Jakarta on 28 August, spreading nationwide. Demonstrators burnt vehicles, blockaded roads, attacked police stations and government buildings and looted politicians’ homes at the heights of the unrest in late August. At least 10 people were killed, over 1,000 injured and more than 3,000 arrested. While the protests have continued, the violence has tapered off.

What to Expect:

Further large-scale protests and roadblocks are likely, with the potential for renewed unrest. Demonstrators continue to demand accountability for police actions during the summer protests.