Three Killed as Indonesian Protesters Torch Parliament Building Amid National Unrest

Three people died and five were injured after protesters in Makassar, Indonesia, set fire to a regional parliament building. The protests, sparked by a deadly police vehicle incident in Jakarta, have spread across major cities. President Prabowo promised an investigation as tensions rise nationwide over governance and justice.

Three people have died and five others were injured after protesters in Makassar, Indonesia, set fire to a regional parliament building on Friday evening. The incident marks a dangerous escalation in nationwide protests and presents the first major test for President Prabowo Subianto’s administration since he took office in October 2024.

According to Indonesia’s disaster management agency, the fire broke out during violent demonstrations in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi province. Local media outlet Antara reported that the victims were likely trapped inside the burning building, while two of the injuries occurred when people jumped from the structure to escape the flames.

The unrest was initially triggered by growing public anger over lawmakers’ pay but intensified sharply after a police armoured vehicle struck and killed a ride-hailing motorbike driver in Jakarta on Friday. The driver’s death sparked outrage, adding fuel to an already volatile situation.

President Prabowo visited the home of the deceased driver late Friday, offering condolences and promising a full investigation. Meanwhile, protests have spread to other major cities, including Bandung and Yogyakarta, with isolated reports of looting and damage to transportation facilities.

In response to the unrest, Jakarta's mass rapid transit system halted service at one station near the protest site, while the city’s Transjakarta bus network suspended operations in affected areas.

Also Read: Chinese Women Struggle for Justice After Telegram Channel Shares Non-Consensual Content

As the protests continue, the government faces mounting pressure to respond decisively without triggering further violence. The deaths in Makassar have intensified public anger, and the coming days may prove crucial in shaping the new administration’s approach to civil unrest and public accountability.