Indonesia Protests 2025: Finance Minister’s Home Looted Amid Growing Public Anger

Indonesian Finance Minister’s Home Looted as Protests Escalate Across the Country

On 31 August 2025, Indonesia witnessed one of its most violent waves of unrest in years, as protests against government corruption and economic inequality escalated into widespread looting and destruction. The crisis reached a peak when the home of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati in Bintaro, Jakarta, was stormed and looted by angry demonstrators, highlighting the intensity of public anger.

The unrest was triggered by revelations that members of parliament were receiving $3,000 monthly housing allowances, a figure that sparked outrage among struggling citizens facing high living costs. The situation worsened after the death of a motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan, who was fatally struck by a police vehicle during earlier protests. His death quickly became a symbol of injustice, fueling further anger on the streets.

Crowds of protesters, many arriving on motorcycles, gathered outside the minister’s residence. Despite the deployment of soldiers and police, security forces failed to contain the wave of looting. Witnesses reported that electronics, furniture, and valuables were stolen, while parts of the house were damaged. This attack was one of several incidents targeting politicians. The homes of Ahmad Sahroni, Oya Koya, Nafa Urbach, and Eko Patrio were also attacked, reflecting deep public frustration with the political elite.

Beyond Jakarta, protests spread nationwide. In Makassar, demonstrators set fire to a regional parliament building, leading to the deaths of at least three people. Similar scenes of arson and clashes between protesters and security forces were reported in other cities. The government’s initial attempts to restore calm were undermined by the scale of unrest and the growing perception of disconnect between leaders and ordinary Indonesians.

President Prabowo Subianto cut short an overseas trip to address the crisis, warning that the unrest was turning into “rebellion and terrorism.” His administration announced the cancellation of housing allowances for lawmakers in an attempt to ease tensions. Nevertheless, this move has done little to quell public anger. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) also appealed for calm, urging protesters to avoid violence and calling on looters to return stolen goods, but these calls have so far gone largely unheeded.

The protests have also had significant economic repercussions. On 31 August, the Jakarta Composite Index fell by 1.5%, while the rupiah slipped 0.8% against the dollar. Economists have warned that prolonged instability could deter foreign investment and slow the country’s growth.

This wave of protests has evolved from anger over parliamentary perks into a larger expression of discontent with corruption, inequality, and governance. The looting of the Finance Minister’s home stands as a dramatic example of the growing divide between citizens and the ruling elite. Whether the government’s concessions will be enough to restore order remains uncertain, but the events of 31 August mark a turning point in Indonesia’s political and social landscape.