Five killed in Indonesia protests as unrest escalates

Japan’s NHK news network reported that, as demonstrations grew in response to dissatisfaction with government economic policies, four people were killed in a fire at a government building.

According to the report, the regional parliament building in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi province, was set ablaze, leaving at least four dead.

The protests began last week in the capital, Jakarta, over lawmakers’ excessive salaries and benefits, but escalated on Thursday when a motorcyclist was killed after being struck by a police armored vehicle.

In a statement released yesterday, Indonesian police said the developments over the past two days showed a shift toward rioting behavior, including attacks, arson against public buildings and facilities, and destruction — actions described as clearly illegal.

The growing protests and unrest prompted Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to cancel his scheduled visit to China.

Thousands of protesters had earlier clashed with police during demonstrations in Jakarta, pelting security forces with stones.

The protests have been fueled by widespread public anger over increased allowances for members of Indonesia’s parliament.

In an effort to disperse the largely student-led crowds, police stormed the parliamentary complex, using tear gas and water cannons.