Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati's home in South Tangerang, a city bordering Jakarta, was looted twice early Tuesday, according to witness Damianus Rudolf. Indrawati was not home at the time.
"The first group consisted of dozens of motorcycles, each carrying two or three people. The second group had about 150 people. They stole TVs, a stereo system, living room decorations, clothes, and dishes," Rudolf said.
By Tuesday afternoon, Indonesian soldiers were guarding Indrawati's home, and a vehicle was seen removing items from the house.
 |
Protesters clash with security forces in Surabaya, Indonesia, on 30/8. Photo: AFP |
Protesters clash with security forces in Surabaya, Indonesia, on 30/8. Photo: AFP
Indonesia is being rocked by protests in major cities following the death of a delivery driver who was struck by a police tactical vehicle. These are the largest and most violent demonstrations since President Prabowo Subianto took office almost a year ago.
The homes of several lawmakers have also been looted in recent days, including that of Ahmad Sahroni, a member of the NasDem party in President Prabowo's ruling coalition. A crowd stormed his house late on 30/8, vandalizing property, including a car.
President Prabowo condemned the violence. "The right to peaceful assembly must be respected and protected. However, we cannot deny that there are signs of unlawful acts, even tending towards treason and terrorism," he said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.
The protests began on 25/8, after news reports revealed that 580 lawmakers received a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (3,041 USD) in addition to their salaries. This allowance, implemented last year, is almost 10 times the minimum wage in Jakarta.
Tensions escalated on 29/8 after delivery driver Affan Kurniawan, 21, was killed by a police vehicle while making a delivery. Security forces were clashing with protesters near the parliament building at the time.
Thousands have protested in Jakarta and other major cities across the country since then. At least three people died in a fire started by protesters at a council building in eastern Indonesia.
President Prabowo has pledged to investigate the incident and support Kurniawan's family. Seven police officers who were in the vehicle that struck the driver are being questioned.
Huyen Le (According to AFP)
