VIOLENT protests currently sweeping Indonesia have emerged as a major test of President Prabowo Subianto’s credibility and the country’s political stability, just under a year into his tenure.
According to Dr Hussain Yusri Zawawi, Head of the Centre for International Relations Studies at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Prabowo’s early popularity — bolstered by populist initiatives such as a free food programme and people-friendly policies — now faces sharp erosion amid a volatile political climate.
"The current crisis is fuelled by a combination of highly sensitive factors — the death of a young protester, perceptions of elite opulence, and allegations of police brutality," Dr Hussain told Sinar Ahad.
"These three issues could significantly erode public trust if not managed effectively. We’re already seeing the early consequences, as investor confidence dips and both the Indonesian rupiah and stock market weaken due to political uncertainty."
Dr Hussain said Prabowo still has a window of opportunity to contain the situation — but only if decisive and transparent action is taken.
"A credible independent investigation, legal action against those responsible, and consistent, fact-based communication from the government could help stabilise the situation. If done well, this crisis might even be reframed as proof of his commitment to good governance."
Asked whether the unrest could spill over into Malaysia, Dr Hussain said the risk of contagion is minimal, citing key structural differences between the two nations.
"Malaysia has a different political environment and legal framework, including the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, which allows for more regulated public demonstrations," he noted.
Nevertheless, he did not rule out the possibility of smaller-scale solidarity events or symbolic gestures of support, particularly via social media platforms which can rapidly amplify regional sentiments.
On Malaysia’s preparedness to prevent unrest from escalating, Dr Hussain emphasised the importance of enforcing existing laws with integrity.
"Our legal framework is clear. What matters is transparent and fair implementation. Police, as the key enforcement agency, must ensure that all actions are guided by necessity and proportionality. This protects both public order and the people's right to assemble peacefully," he said.
Prabowo Cancels China Visit
International news agencies have cited that Prabowo Subianto has cancelled his upcoming visit to Beijing, where he was scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and attend a major military parade, citing escalating unrest across several regions in Indonesia.
The visit, originally planned for early September, would have seen Prabowo among 25 heads of state — including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un — attending the high-profile event in the Chinese capital.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi confirmed the cancellation, saying, “Due to the current situation in the country, the President wishes to continue monitoring and leading directly to seek the best solutions.”
“As such, the President, with humility and apologies to the Chinese government, has decided not to attend the invitation from China,” he added.
Prabowo had also been weighing an invitation to address the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on 23 September, with Prasetyo revealing that the overlapping international engagements were part of the wider consideration.
The move comes as Indonesia faces a wave of civil unrest that began on 25 August, with mass protests and violence erupting in Jakarta, Bandung, Makassar, Solo, Yogyakarta, Semarang and Surabaya.
In Jakarta, tensions escalated following the death of 21-year-old online motorcycle taxi rider Affan Kurniawan, who was fatally struck by a Brimob (Indonesian Mobile Brigade Corps) tactical Barracuda vehicle during clashes in Bendungan Hilir. His death has become a rallying point for growing anger over police brutality and political elitism.
What began as protests over housing allowances for members of parliament and perceived arrogance among lawmakers has evolved into wider condemnation of police heavy-handedness.
In response, police have acknowledged ethical violations by Brimob officers involved in the incident. Meanwhile, the unrest has led to the deaths of at least three individuals, the burning of five buildings in Bandung, and the destruction of a municipal office in Makassar. Celebrated singer Bunga Citra Lestari has cancelled her upcoming concert in light of the violence.
The Indonesian rupiah continues to slide amid investor concern over political instability, as public confidence in the government’s handling of the crisis appears increasingly strained. - August 31, 2025
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