Indonesian Protests Intensify with Looting of Finance Minister's Home,

Mass protests erupted across Indonesia in late August 2025, initially triggered by public outrage over a proposed hike in housing subsidies for members of parliament amid widespread economic hardship. The unrest intensified dramatically after the death of Affan Kurniawan, a motorcycle taxi driver killed during a police crackdown, which many Indonesians viewed as emblematic of state violence and impunity. Demonstrators' demands quickly broadened to include police reform, accountability for corruption, and the resignation of top officials.

On the night of August 31, the protests reached a new level when a group of demonstrators forcibly entered and looted the residence of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati in South Tangerang. Eyewitnesses described the looting as unusually well-coordinated, with valuables such as electronics, jewelry, and even kitchenware taken from the home. Videos circulating online showed the chaos, and some witnesses noted that the looting began after a firework explosion, raising questions about whether the act was spontaneous or orchestrated. Soldiers and police at the scene were unable to prevent the thefts, highlighting the authorities' struggle to maintain order.

The finance minister, widely respected internationally for her stewardship of Indonesia's economy, has been at the center of public anger due to her role in implementing unpopular austerity measures. Protesters accuse the government of prioritizing the interests of political elites over those of ordinary citizens. "We are tired of empty promises and rising prices while politicians enrich themselves," one protester told local media. The looting of Sri Mulyani's home has become a potent symbol of the public's frustration and the breakdown of trust between citizens and the state.

Escalation and Spread of Unrest

The unrest has not been confined to Jakarta. Demonstrations have spread to other major cities, including Makassar and Surabaya, where government buildings have been torched and houses linked to politicians targeted for looting. In some cases, the violence appears to have been opportunistic, but in others, it reflects deep-seated grievances over corruption, inequality, and heavy-handed policing. The attempted break-in at the residence of Puan Maharani, Speaker of the People's Representative Council, was thwarted by police, but further inflamed tensions as protesters accused security forces of protecting the powerful while repressing dissent.

International observers have noted the use of emotional appeals and nationalist rhetoric by both government and opposition figures. State media and some pro-government outlets have sought to downplay the scale of the protests, framing them as the work of "troublemakers" or foreign agitators—a common propaganda tactic in the region. Independent Indonesian and international outlets, however, have documented widespread participation by students, workers, and civil society groups, underscoring the breadth of discontent.

Government Response and Propaganda

The government has responded with a mix of concessions and crackdowns. Officials have promised to review the subsidy policy and investigate police conduct, but many protesters remain skeptical, citing a long history of unfulfilled promises. In official statements, authorities have condemned the violence and called for calm, but have also warned of "severe consequences" for those involved in looting and arson. Some state-aligned media have attempted to delegitimize the protests by highlighting incidents of vandalism and theft, while largely ignoring the underlying grievances.

Analysts warn that unless the government addresses the root causes of the unrest—economic inequality, corruption, and lack of accountability—the protests are likely to continue. The looting of the finance minister's home, while condemned by many, has become a rallying point for those demanding systemic change in Indonesia's political and economic system.