هدوء حذر في شوارع جاكرتا بعد احتجاجات جماهيرية دامية

The streets of Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, experienced relative calm after more than a week of protests that sometimes turned violent, coinciding with the country's celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. Groups of students, workers, and human rights organizations took to the streets to protest against the housing allowances for parliament members, and riots later spread across the country following the death of a motorcyclist who was hit by a police vehicle during one of the gatherings.

Meetings with Officials and Attempts to Pressure the President

Student groups met with government ministers on Thursday to present their grievances regarding the privileges of lawmakers and the police's treatment of protesters. Student representatives also met with several lawmakers earlier in the week, but they have not yet been able to secure a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto.

Extent of Casualties and Injuries During Protests

Human rights groups confirmed that 10 people lost their lives and over a thousand were injured during clashes with security forces and other disturbances. Authorities arrested more than three thousand individuals in a nationwide crackdown, according to the New York-based organization Human Rights Watch.

Heightened Security Measures and Near-Normal Life

The police set up checkpoints throughout the capital, while security and military forces conducted extensive patrols, with snipers deployed at key locations. Due to the security measures, the streets were less crowded than usual. Schools and universities in Jakarta continued remote learning at least until Tuesday, and government employees were asked to work from home.

Damage to Facilities and Officials' Homes

The protests resulted in significant material damage, with the finance minister's house being looted and several lawmakers' homes being burglarized. President Prabowo's visit to China was partially canceled due to the crisis, but he later participated in a military parade to commemorate the end of World War II.

The Political and Security Challenge in Indonesia

These events indicate a rise in tension between the government and citizens, particularly students and workers, amid their demands for accountability from lawmakers regarding excessive privileges and improved police handling of protests, at a time when the country faces intertwined security and political challenges.