September 29, 2025 | 03:36 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto stated he sees indications of major power involvement in causing unrest amid the riots and demonstrations at the end of August. The Head of State assesses that these parties are disturbed because the Indonesian government has begun to implement reforms and crack down on systemic corruption, such as illegal mining.
"We are continuing the investigation into the recent riots. What we see is the indication of certain powers' involvement to create turmoil to halt Indonesia's development and economic revival," said Prabowo while delivering a speech at the sixth National Consultative Assembly of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) at the Sultan Hotel, Jakarta, on Monday, September 29, 2025.
Prabowo believes these forces do not want Indonesia to prosper but instead wish to perpetuate a gap where wealth is enjoyed by only a few. The former defense minister is committed to fighting against such actions.
Prabowo explained that his administration has begun making improvements so that the country's wealth can be enjoyed by the people, and it is these reforms that the powerful entities dislike. He cited Bangka Belitung, a center of tin mining, where approximately 1,000 illegal mines operate. He alleged that almost 80% of the annual tin production is smuggled.
Starting September 1, 2025, Prabowo ordered the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Police, and Customs to conduct large-scale operations in Bangka Belitung to end the smuggling activities, which are carried out in various ways, including the use of ships.
"We will put an end to the almost 80% of annual tin production that is smuggled every year," Prabowo stated. He estimates that operations from September to November 2025 will save Rp22 trillion, with a projected saving of Rp45 trillion next year.
The public protests began on August 25, 2025, against the House of Representatives' (DPR) policy to increase salaries and allowances to reach Rp100 million amid budget cuts. The demonstrations continued, culminating in the death of online motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan, who was killed after being run over by a Brimob tactical vehicle on Thursday, August 28, 2025, in Jakarta.
This incident triggered public outrage, leading to the vandalism of public facilities and the looting of DPR members' homes in some areas. Ten people died as a result of the demonstrations.
Prabowo later stated that the unrest involved attempts at illegal actions leading to subversion and terrorism. While emphasizing that the government respects the freedom of expression in accordance with the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Article 19 and Law No. 9 of 1998, he said that pure aspirations should be respected.
"The right to peacefully assemble must be respected and protected. However, we cannot deny that there are signs of illegal actions. There are even those that lead to subversion and terrorism," said Prabowo in a statement accompanied by political party leaders at the Presidential Palace on Sunday, August 31, 2025.
The Head of State reminded that while peaceful expression is permissible, action will be taken against those who become anarchists, damage public facilities, cause casualties, or threaten and loot public and private institutions.
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