Indonesia has dramatically stepped up security measures, blanketing its capital, Jakarta, with police checkpoints. This comes after a weekend of intense protests saw at least six people die. Anger over the nation’s economic troubles and political issues fueled the widespread unrest.
Authorities ordered the increased security, according to an Al Jazeera news report on September 1, 2025. The initial spark of the protests was frustration over financial benefits for lawmakers. However, public outrage quickly spread, turning into fury aimed at the country’s special police forces.
Police have set up checkpoints all over Jakarta. Police spokespeople confirmed that officers are patrolling the city to keep people safe and ensure public order. Armored vehicles and motorcycles have also been paraded to the parliament building. This display of force aims to warn protesters. It marks the most serious unrest since Prabowo Subianto became president.
The demonstrations began peacefully last week. But tensions exploded after a video surfaced online. The footage reportedly showed a special police team running over Affan Gurniawan, a 21-year-old local delivery worker. This tragic incident happened late last Thursday night.
The protests quickly spread beyond Jakarta. Large cities across the country have seen similar outbreaks of anger. These include Yogyakarta, Bandung, Semarang, and Surabaya on Java Island. Medan in North Sumatra Province also experienced significant demonstrations. The severity of the unrest even forced Indonesia’s president to change plans. He had to cancel a trip to China, where he was scheduled to attend a military parade for World War II Victory Day.
