Protesters have been killed, buildings torched and politicians' houses looted as anti-government unrest spreads across Indonesia - and the authorities respond with force.
Mass demonstrations, fueled by cost-of-living woes and public frustration with the political elite, first erupted in Jakarta on 25 August to condemn what many viewed as excessive pay and housing allowances for parliamentarians.
By the end of the week, things had boiled over into violence. On Thursday night, following escalating clashes between demonstrators and authorities, police in Jakarta ran over and killed 21-year-old motorcycle rideshare driver Affan Kurniawan.
President Prabowo Subianto and the chief of police apologised for his death - but it fueled further discontent that has now spread to various corners of the archipelago, from West Java to the islands of Bali and Lombok.
At least seven people had died in the protests by Monday, according to Indonesia's co-ordinating minister for economic affairs.
The perks that sparked a protest
The primary trigger for the protests was the Indonesian government's decision to raise the allowance for national parliamentarians.
Local media last month reported that they were paid upwards of 100 million rupiah (£4,499; $6,150) a month - more than 30 times the average national income - including a substantial housing allowance.
Meanwhile, everyday Indonesians were struggling because of a cost-of-living crisis.
As the government is undertaking austerity measures, and at a time when citizens are feeling economically insecure, the notion that Indonesia's already wealthy political class would see their incomes rise filled people with rage, and they spilled onto the streets to express that rage.
These protests spiralled after Affan's death, growing to encompass issues of police brutality and accountability alongside ongoing grievances about political corruption and social inequality.
The crackdown
In response to the growing unrest, President Prabowo ordered the military and police to take stronger action against rioters, looters, and arsonists. This has led to the burning of regional legislative council buildings across multiple Indonesian provinces and prompted a call for increased dialogue and protection of the right to protest.
There have been attempts made by the government to address the protests, including the reduction of state-funded perks to politicians. However, many argue that the steps taken do not adequately address the root causes of public discontent.
An opportunity for change
The ongoing protests are reportedly among the most significant outbursts in Indonesia since the reformasi era began in 1998. They reflect a broader sentiment of economic insecurity and a yearning for deeper reforms regarding governance, accountability, and social justice.
As the situation continues to develop, the government's response will be critical. It will determine whether the protests will lead to meaningful change or result in further violence and repression.
