Indonesia’s Deadly Protests: Analyzing the Root of the Anger

The unrest in Jakarta started on August 25, with protestors criticizing politicians’ lavish pay packages, as reported by Asia Times Now. The situation escalated quickly, culminating in mass demonstrations that led to violent acts, such as setting fire to the Grahadi Building, the official residence of the East Java governor, as seen in images from AP. What initially began as a response to perceived parliamentary excesses has transformed into a larger issue surrounding economic disparities and social injustice.