At least three people have died after protesters set fire to a council building in Makassar, eastern Indonesia, during nationwide unrest sparked by the death of a motorcycle taxi driver struck by a police tactical vehicle.
The protests, which swept through major cities including Jakarta, began after video footage of the fatal incident went viral, fueling anger over low wages and alleged lavish benefits for lawmakers.
In Makassar, demonstrations spiraled into violence as crowds torched both provincial and city council buildings, set vehicles ablaze, and hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails. The victims two council staff members and a civil servant were trapped inside the burning city council building. Four others were injured and remain in hospital.
In Jakarta, hundreds gathered outside the headquarters of the elite Mobile Brigade police unit, accused of involvement in the driver’s death. Clashes broke out as protesters threw firecrackers and attempted to tear down gates, prompting police to respond with tear gas. Seven officers have been detained for questioning.
The unrest marks the largest and most violent challenge to the current presidency so far, less than a year into the leader’s term. It comes amid public frustration over budget cuts to fund high-cost populist programs, and demonstrations have now spread to cities across Java and Sumatra.
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