Indonesian President Vows to Stand Firm Amid Violent Protests

Indonesian President Vows to Stand Firm Amid Violent Protests
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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has declared he will “not retreat even a step” in response to violent protests that have led to at least four deaths, according to a report from Anadolu Agency. The unrest, which began last week over a dispute about allowances for lawmakers, escalated following the death of a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver who was struck by a police armored vehicle.

In a public address, President Subianto condemned the violence and referred to those involved as “rioters, not protesters,” accusing them of attempting to destabilize the nation. He expressed regret over the civilian deaths and ordered an investigation into the officer responsible for the death of the taxi driver, promising that anyone found at fault would be held accountable.

In a gesture aimed at de-escalation, the president has canceled some benefits for parliamentarians and postponed a scheduled trip to China. He has also directed the National Police Chief to grant special promotions to officers who were injured during the clashes.