Jakarta police announced on 2/9 the arrest of Delpedro Marhaen, director of the human rights organization Lokataru, on charges of inciting riots following a week of demonstrations that caused significant damage to the Indonesian capital.
"Delpedro Marhaen called on minors to carry out acts of vandalism," Jakarta police spokesman Ade Ary Syam Indradi said. He added that the riots occurred near the Gelora district in Central Jakarta and other areas around the capital.
Marhaen is among 1,240 protesters arrested by Jakarta police since the unrest began last week. Protests against the government and social inequality in Indonesia erupted on 25/8, escalating into riots in several cities across the country from 29/8, leaving at least eight people dead and 700 injured.
Nationwide infrastructure damage is estimated at 53 million USD, with East Java province suffering the most severe damage, the Indonesian Minister of Public Works said today. There are no nationwide figures yet for the number of protesters arrested.
The Indonesian human rights group KontraS cited reports of 20 people missing, but the government has not confirmed this figure. The United Nations on 1/9 called for an investigation into allegations of excessive force used in response to the protests in Indonesia.
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Protesters clash with security forces in Jakarta, 29/8. Photo: AFP |
Protesters clash with security forces in Jakarta, 29/8. Photo: AFP
On 25/8, people across Indonesia took to the streets after media reports revealed that 580 lawmakers received a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (3,041 USD) in addition to their salaries since last year, 10 times the minimum wage in Jakarta.
Critics argue that this allowance is excessive at a time when most people are struggling with high taxes and living costs, along with rising unemployment.
The protests escalated into riots on 29/8, after a 21-year-old delivery driver was killed by a police armored vehicle during clashes between security forces and protesters near the parliament building.
Witnesses said the police vehicle drove through a crowd of protesters, hitting the delivery driver. Instead of stopping, the vehicle continued to run over the driver, resulting in his death. Indonesian police are investigating seven officers in connection with the incident.
The widespread unrest, affecting 32 of 38 provinces, prompted President Prabowo to revoke some benefits for members of parliament, including the housing allowance of over 3,000 USD.
Duc Trung (Jakarta Post, Antara News)
