From Molotovs to 'mafias'

Ordinary citizens' grievances are real but provocateurs are hijacking protests

- Arlina Arshad Indonesia Bureau Chief and Wahyudi Soeriaatmadja Indonesia Correspondent

The bus stop was empty. No protesters, no police. Then a man in a helmet and mask lit a stick and tossed it into the structure. He then ran to a waiting motorcycle, where another similarly dressed man sat, and the two sped off into the night.

The grainy, shaky video, reportedly filmed on Aug 29, is one of many clips of similar actions circulating after last week's deadly protests in Indonesia over lawmakers' perks — which intensified after the death of 21-year-old ride-hailing motorbike rider Affan Kurniawan, who was struck by a police tactical vehicle at a demonstration in Jakarta on the night of Aug 28.

At least 10 people have died, and damage to infrastructure in Jakarta alone amounted to 80 billion rupiah (S$6.22 million), according to the authorities.

For many Indonesians, the footage confirmed a familiar fear: shadowy provocateurs strike after demonstrators leave, stoking violence. Suspicion has become almost ritual. After every major protest, attention shifts from grievances to the invisible hands allegedly fanning the flames.

The warnings often come from the highest office. In a video message on Aug 29, President Prabowo Subianto hinted at "elements who always want unrest and chaos", and urged vigilance.

On Aug 31, he still had not named names. "We must be alert to the interference of groups who do not want Indonesia to prosper, who do not want Indonesia to rise," he said, adding that there were signs of unlawful actions, "some of which could lead towards treason and terrorism".

On Sept 1, following a hospital visit to injured police personnel, Mr Prabowo warned that the authorities would act decisively, saying: "I will face the mafias, no matter how strong they are... I will not retreat a single step."

Rage at a government seen as out of touch with people's hardships remains at the heart of the protests. At the same time, speculation is rising over who might be amplifying the unrest.