Indonesia's President Pledges to "Not Retreat" Following Violent Protests

(MENAFN) Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto pledged Monday to "not retreat even a step" following violent protests that have left at least four people dead, according to the Jakarta Globe. In an urgent response, Prabowo visited victims in an East Jakarta hospital, condemning the violence as the work of "rioters, not protesters." He accused these groups of deliberately attempting to destabilize the nation.

The unrest, which has led to widespread violence, saw 43 people receive hospital treatment, including 14 police officers and three civilians. While 16 people have been discharged, 17 are still under care. Among the injured was a woman who, while on her way to the market, sustained a broken thigh after rioters seized her motorcycle.

“Their intention is not to voice aspirations. Their intention is to cause chaos, disrupt people’s lives and sabotage national development efforts aimed at ending poverty,” Prabowo said in a statement.

In response to the injuries sustained by law enforcement officers during the clashes, the president instructed National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo to award exceptional promotions to officers who were seriously wounded, many of whom suffered grave injuries such as skull fractures, severed limbs, and internal injuries.

Prabowo also condemned the vandalism of the parliament building in Jakarta, calling it an attack on democracy. “The parliament building represents national sovereignty. Burning it shows the intent was not to protest, but to create unrest,” he said.

The president’s defiant stance continued as he declared, “By God, I will not retreat even a step. I believe the people are with me.”

In a broader political development, Prabowo announced Sunday that political parties had agreed to cancel several privileges and benefits for parliamentarians. This includes a reduction in allowances and the imposition of a moratorium on overseas working visits.

Due to the ongoing protests, Prabowo also canceled his scheduled trip to China. The protests have spread to multiple Indonesian cities, with demonstrators setting fire to local legislative buildings in a show of discontent.

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