Three Killed in Indonesia Parliament Fire Set by Protesters

Deadly Fire Erupts in Indonesian Parliament Building

In a tragic escalation of ongoing protests in Indonesia, three people have been killed and five injured after demonstrators set fire to a regional parliament building in Makassar, South Sulawesi. The victims were reportedly trapped inside the burning structure, with two individuals suffering injuries while attempting to escape by jumping from windows.

Background of the Protests

The violent incident marks the latest development in months of anti-government demonstrations that have swept across Indonesia. The protests initially began in February 2025, organized by the All-Indonesian Students' Union (BEM SI) against President Prabowo Subianto's controversial policies. The current wave of unrest was triggered by a proposed 250% increase in land and building taxes (PBB-P2) and exorbitant housing allowances for parliament members.

Catalyst for Violence

The situation dramatically escalated last week when a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver was killed after being run over by a police vehicle during a demonstration. This marked the first fatality in the six-month-long protest movement and sparked widespread public outrage. The protests have since shifted focus to include demands for justice against police brutality, with demonstrators chanting "Death to the police" during rallies.

Economic Context

President Prabowo, who took office in October 2024, has implemented significant budget cuts to education, healthcare, and infrastructure to fund his free nutritious meal program. These austerity measures have resulted in job losses and economic hardship for many Indonesians who already struggle to support their families. Many rely on side jobs such as motorcycle taxi driving to make ends meet.

Government Response

President Prabowo has personally visited the family of the deceased motorcycle taxi driver to offer condolences and promised a thorough investigation into the incident. However, the government faces mounting pressure to address the underlying economic grievances that have fueled the protests.

International Concern

The escalating violence has drawn international attention to Indonesia's political stability. The country, which is Southeast Asia's largest economy, faces challenges in balancing economic development with social welfare concerns amid rising public discontent.