Prabowo Cancels China Visit Amid Protests; TikTok Suspends Live Streaming Features

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has made the decision to forego a significant diplomatic trip to China amidst escalating protests that have gained momentum outside the capital of Jakarta. The protests, rooted in public discontent over lawmakers’ compensation, further intensified following a tragic incident where a motorcycle rider was fatally struck by a police vehicle. The unfolding situation has compelled the social media platform TikTok to suspend its live streaming feature, citing growing concerns about escalating violence across the nation.

The announcement from Prabowo’s office came on Saturday, as officials confirmed that three individuals were killed during unrest, including an arson attack on a parliament building in Makassar, the capital of the South Sulawesi province, on Friday. As tensions rise, these protests present a formidable challenge for Prabowo’s administration, marking the first significant test of governance since he assumed office nearly a year ago.

“President Prabowo aims to remain vigilant regarding the situations developing within Indonesia and is eager to seek effective solutions,” remarked presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi in a video statement. The President expressed his regret to the Chinese government about his inability to attend the anticipated Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin and a ceremonial parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II’s conclusion.

The discontent among citizens erupted originally due to reports indicating that all 580 members of the Indonesian parliament receive a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (approximately ,075), in addition to their existing salaries. Critics contend this allowance is particularly excessive, especially during a time of rising living costs and unemployment affecting many households throughout the nation.

The protests became larger and more forceful following the tragic passing of Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old ride-hailing driver, whose death has prompted significant public outcry against the actions of security forces. The President has urged calm while simultaneously issuing condolences for Kurniawan’s tragic passing, calling for timely action from military and police leadership to restore public order.

As the unrest has escalated, various regional parliament buildings across provinces have been targeted, with reports of individuals looting parliamentary equipment and police employing tear gas to disperse crowds. The demonstrations reflect deep-rooted grievances about the disparity between politicians’ allowances and the lived experiences of ordinary citizens confronting economic hardship.

In light of the unrest, TikTok announced a temporary suspension of its live feature in Indonesia, a response to concerns over the increasing violence. Given Indonesia’s extensive user base of over 100 million on TikTok, which has been instrumental in documenting protest activity, this move highlights the balancing act between public expression and safety in increasingly volatile situations.

As Indonesia grapples with these urgent social challenges, observers note a growing sense of unrest, with additional protests anticipated. Voices advocating for reform underscore a keen desire for addressing the underlying issues driving public discontent and the need for comprehensive dialogue between the government and its constituents.

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