Five people were killed and dozens injured in these protests across the country, after which the government announced that it would withdraw the decision, taking into account the public reaction. Holding a press conference at the presidential palace, President Prabowo Subianto said that political parties have agreed to reduce the privileges and hefty allowances of members of parliament. According to him, it has been decided to eliminate unnecessary policies, including special facilities provided during foreign travel. The president clarified that the police and the army have been instructed to take strict action against those who damage state buildings, attack private homes and loot economic centers.
President Subianto said that peaceful protest is the right of the people and the government respects this right, however, setting fire to government institutions and attacking private properties in the name of protest falls under the category of rebellion and terrorism, which cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. He said that “the state will ensure the protection of citizens, but action against those who break the law is inevitable.” Despite the president’s announcement, students and public organizations did not immediately end the protest and have indicated more demonstrations on Monday. The protesters are of the opinion that it is not enough to simply withdraw the salary increase, but other unnecessary privileges and privileges enjoyed by politicians should also be abolished.
It should be remembered that public anger had reached its peak a few days ago after the announcement of an increase in the salaries of members of parliament. Large-scale protests began in the capital Jakarta, which intensified when a motorcyclist was killed after being hit by a police vehicle. Angry protesters stormed the homes and state buildings of political leaders and set fire to the buildings of several institutions, including the parliament. This situation created anxiety among investors and fears of economic instability began to grow. Several incidents of looting also occurred, including an attack on the house of Finance Minister  Sri Moilyani Indrawati , although fortunately she was not at home at the time.