Alert+

Indonesia Protests Escalate After Police Killing in Jakarta

Indonesia Unrest Deepens as Anger Over Police Brutality and Corruption Mounts

Intelligence cut off: 11:00 BST 29 AUGUST 2025

As of 18:00 local time (11:00 UTC), 29 August, protests are ongoing in several Indonesian cities, with multiple cases of clashes between protesters and police forces being reported. The demonstrations are in response to the 28 August killing of a motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan, who was allegedly run over by a vehicle operated by Brimob, a special operations unit of the Indonesian National Police, during a separate anti-government protest. A video reportedly showing the incident was shared online, attracting significant media attention.

Protests on 29 August started in Jakarta, where protesters gathered in the vicinity of the Brimob and metropolitan police headquarters, and staged road blockades across much of the city’s centre and particularly the Kwitang area. Violent clashes reportedly started after protesters attempted to block a transiting police convoy and pelted vehicles with rocks. Brimob units deployed tear gas to disperse the crowds, leading to a further increase in tensions. At around 16:30 local time (09:30 UTC), local media reported that protesters had stormed the metropolitan police headquarters in Jakarta.

Protests were also recorded in multiple other large Indonesian cities. Clashes have been observed in Jawa Barat, in Surakarta, Medan, and in Bandung. Local universities are also focal points for ongoing protests, as local student unions have called for students to join the unrest.

INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS

Indonesia Unrest Tied to Broader Wave of Anti-Government Sentiment in 2025

The current protests form part of a broader wave of anti-government sentiment in 2025, which has triggered sporadic civil unrest. Notably, student-led civil unrest targeting government austerity erupted on 17 February under the slogan #IndonesiaGelap (Dark Indonesia). Beginning on 25 August, the most recent demonstrations started following the publication of reports regarding a new monthly housing allowance for politicians, which is worth approximately 20 times Indonesia’s minimum wage. The publication has acted as a catalyst for broader anti-government sentiment centring on low wages, cuts to government funding, job cuts in the textile industry, government corruption, and the growing role of the military in civilian life, which have been sources of growing frustration among much of Indonesia’s population.

The perceived government failures are amid a background of economic uncertainty. Real wages have lagged behind inflation, contributing to shrinking real wages and a rising cost of living. This has been exacerbated by accelerating unemployment, with Indonesia’s manufacturing sector, which constituted 32 per cent of the country’s GDP in 2002, shrinking to just 19 per cent in 2024. In the first half of 2025, approximately 42,000 manufacturing workers were laid off. Furthermore, economic growth has slowed, dropping to 4.8 per cent in Q2 of 2025, the weakest pace in nearly four years and short of President Prabowo Subianto’s target of 8 per cent.

Social media has catalysed unrest, with footage of clashes spreading quickly and prompting further anti-government sentiment. The government has blamed online platforms for disinformation and has summoned representatives from several social media platforms, including Meta and TikTok. According to the deputy communications minister, the government will request that the platforms moderate their content. There is a realistic possibility that, should social media platforms refuse to impose strict content moderation measures, the government will impose social media blocks to prevent further anti-government sentiment from spreading. However, such measures would also likely significantly reduce situational awareness, limiting the ability to track the scale and location of protests in real-time.

Given the escalation in demonstrations, particularly since 28 August, it is highly likely that they will continue over the weekend. While there is a realistic possibility that this could subside in early September, the police’s continued use of force and any potential investigation into police brutality will likely trigger further unrest. There is a realistic possibility that the government will attempt to placate protesters by imposing policies centred on curbing corruption and austerity measures, although minor concessions are unlikely to quell current or prevent further demonstrations.

Travel and Safety Guidance for Jakarta, Indonesia

Avoid the Kwitang area in Jakarta, as well as all major government buildings, universities and police facilities. Reassess travel to central Jakarta.
Allocate additional time for all road travel in Jakarta.
Closely monitor announcements from local authorities and media sources for any developments that may severely impact the local security environment.
Avoid all areas of unrest due to incidental risks to bystanders. If caught in the unrest, travellers should move with the crowd until they find the nearest opportunity to escape. If in a vehicle, look to turn down the nearest road. If driving away is not an option, lock the vehicle and escape on foot.
Always follow all instructions and orders from security forces. Where possible, avoid areas of active unrest and remain in a secure accommodation.
Prolonged civil unrest can disrupt travel, especially if protesters begin targeting airports. Travellers should have contingency measures in place, including evacuation plans and reliable access to food, water and medication.
Have emergency contact numbers saved on your phone. These should include the local authorities, medical facilities and any consular support. Ensure that mobile phones are charged in case of any loss of electricity.
If caught in the vicinity of a security incident, seek shelter immediately and leave the area if safe to do so. Continue to adhere to all instructions issued by authorities and obey any security cordons in place.
Monitor trusted local media for updates relevant to the unrest.