Protests in Indonesia result in six fatalities, president decides to abolish legislators' benefits

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Responds to Public Outrage

Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto has pledged to revoke a controversial housing allowance for lawmakers, in response to mounting public anger over the issue. The concession comes as protests in Indonesia, primarily in response to the housing allowance, have been ongoing for five days in Jakarta.

The housing allowance, introduced last year, is almost 10 times the Jakarta minimum wage, sparking widespread outrage among the public. The protests grew wider and more violent following the death of a 21-year-old ride-hailing driver, Affan Kurniawan. Witnesses reported that an armoured car from the National Police's Mobile Brigade unit ran over Kurniawan, causing his death during clashes between rock-throwing demonstrators and riot police.

Seven police officers who were inside the armoured vehicle have been detained for 20 days due to ethical violations, as they are currently under investigation in relation to the incident. Subianto has warned that violent acts risk veering into treason and terrorism, and warned the state would not tolerate attempts to destabilize the country.

To address the situation, Subianto has summoned the country's prominent figures and cancelled a high-profile trip to China. He has also met with 16 religious figures and eight political leaders, including former President Megawati Sukarnopurti, to discuss the ongoing protests and find a peaceful resolution.

Subianto has urged citizens to trust the government and remain calm, while also reiterating his government's respect for freedom of expression as guaranteed in Indonesia's constitution and international conventions. He has pledged to always fight for the interests of the people and the nation, and has called on the public to express their aspirations in a peaceful and constructive manner.

In an effort to quell the unrest, Subianto has also pledged to suspend overseas trips for members of parliament. The death toll from riots in multiple cities has risen to six, following the confirmation of a 21-year-old university student's death in Yogyakarta on Sunday. A mob has set fire to an Indonesian regional parliament, though this event is not directly related to the earlier mentioned protests.

As the situation continues to unfold, Subianto has promised that the government is determined to find a peaceful resolution and restore order to the country. The nation watches with bated breath as the situation progresses.