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Prabowo Subianto Addresses Unrest, Announces Sweeping Reforms Following Nationwide Protests
Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto convened an emergency meeting with leaders of political parties on Sunday, August 31, 2025, to address escalating public discontent and a wave of demonstrations sparked by actions deemed unfavorable by citizens. The meeting, held at the State Palace in Jakarta, resulted in commitments to revoke controversial parliamentary allowances and a pledge to address grievances voiced by protestors.
the discussions centered on recent unrest fueled by public dissatisfaction with members of the house of Representatives (DPR). President Subianto received reports from party chairpersons regarding the turmoil and confirmed that sanctions were being levied against DPR members whose actions were perceived as insensitive to the needs of the people.
attendees at the Palace included prominent figures such as Megawati Soekarnoputri (PDIP), Ahmad Muzani (Gerindra), Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Democratic Party), Bahlil Lahadalia (Golkar), Zulkifli Hasan (PAN), Surya Paloh (Nasdem), Muhaimin Iskandar (PKB), and M Kholid (PKS). speaker of the Indonesian Parliament Puan Maharani and Chairman of the DPD Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin were also present.
DPR Allowance Revoked Amid Public Outcry
A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to revoke allowances for DPR members. “To address what is a pure aspiration from the community,I received a report from the Chairperson of the Political Parties,and we agreed to revoke the allowances for DPR members,” President Subianto stated. He emphasized that the decision was a direct response to public sentiment and a demonstration of the government’s commitment to accountability.
Balancing Freedom of Expression with the Rule of Law
President Subianto acknowledged the constitutional right to freedom of expression, citing the United Nations International Covenant on civil and Political Rights Article 19 and Law 9 of 1998, affirming the legal framework for freedom of expression. However, he drew a firm line against unlawful behavior.
“The delivery of aspirations can be carried out peacefully, but if in its implementation there are activities that are anarchist, destabilizing, damaging or burning public facilities, causing casualties, threatening and looting houses and public and private homes, it is indeed a violation of the law and the state must attend and protect its people,” the President declared. He directed the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) and Polri (National police) to crack down on anarchist elements and protect public infrastructure.
Public Facilities and Public funds
President Subianto underscored the importance of safeguarding public assets,stating that damaging public facilities is equivalent to squandering public funds. He appealed for national unity and cautioned against divisive tactics. “Let’s maintain national unity. Indonesia is on the threshold of the resurrection. Do not let us continue to be pitted against each other.Convey aspirations well and peacefully, without damaging, without violence, without looting, without riots, without actions that harm public facilities,” he urged.
Accountability for DPR Members
Members of the DPR found to have engaged in inappropriate behavior will be removed from their positions, President Subianto confirmed.He stressed the need for DPR members to be sensitive to the needs of the people and act in their best interests.
Concerns Over Treason and Terrorism
The President also expressed concern over potential elements attempting to exploit the unrest for more nefarious purposes.”We cannot deny that there are symptoms of actions outside the law, even against the law, and some even lead to treason and terrorism,” he stated, directing the TNI and Polri to take firm action against perpetrators of destruction.
Open Dialog and Government Responsiveness
President Subianto called on DPR leaders to invite representatives from various community groups, including students and civil society organizations, to engage in direct dialogue. He also instructed all ministries and institutions to actively solicit and respond to public input.
Appeal for Calm and Trust
Concluding his remarks, President Subianto appealed to the public to remain calm and trust the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns. “I ask all citizens to believe in the government, to be calm. The government that I lead is steadfast to always fight for the interests of the people, including the smallest, most disadvantaged people,” he said. He reiterated the government’s dedication to
