Sun Aug 31 03:41:56 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Indonesia is facing widespread antigovernment protests fueled by anger over a controversial lawmaker housing allowance and the death of a motorcycle rider hit by a police vehicle. The protests have spread beyond Jakarta, resulting in arson attacks on parliament buildings and clashes with police. President Prabowo Subianto has cancelled a trip to China to manage the crisis. Social media platform TikTok has suspended its live feature in Indonesia due to the escalating violence. Critics accuse the government of prioritizing control over addressing the underlying issues driving the protests, including economic hardship and rising authoritarianism.

**News Article:**

**Indonesian President Cancels China Trip as Protests Rage, TikTok Suspends Live Feature**

**JAKARTA, Indonesia** – President Prabowo Subianto has cancelled a planned trip to China as antigovernment protests intensify across Indonesia, fueled by public outrage over lawmaker allowances and police conduct. Social media giant TikTok has also suspended its live feature in the country, citing concerns over escalating violence.

The protests, sparked by a controversial monthly housing allowance for lawmakers exceeding $3,000, have spread beyond Jakarta, with reports of arson attacks on regional parliament buildings in multiple provinces. At least three people were killed in an arson attack in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi. The unrest grew further after a ride-hailing driver was killed in Jakarta, allegedly hit by a police vehicle, sparking widespread condemnation of security forces.

“The president wants to continue monitoring [the situation in Indonesia] directly… and seek the best solutions,” stated presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi, apologizing to the Chinese government for the cancellation.

Critics argue the new housing allowance is insensitive given rising living costs, unemployment, and taxes faced by ordinary Indonesians. The government has called for calm and urged decisive action to restore order, but the protests continue to spread, with more demonstrations planned.

TikTok, a popular video-sharing platform with over 100 million users in Indonesia, announced the temporary suspension of its live feature. “In light of the increasing violence in protests in Indonesia, we are taking additional security measures to keep TikTok a safe and civil space,” the company said in a statement.

Rights groups are raising concerns about the government’s response, accusing it of prioritizing control over the narrative and suppressing dissent. “The government seems more interested in ensuring it has full control of the narratives [and] full control of the protests, instead of addressing the real concerns that people have,” said Wirya Adiwena of Amnesty International Indonesia.

The protests mark the first major test for President Subianto’s government, raising questions about its ability to address growing public discontent and maintain stability.

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