Protests rock nation’s capital

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto called for calm as authorities sought to contain rising public anger that has fuelled nationwide protests for a third day and rattled investor confidence, sending the nation’s currency and stocks lower.

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The demonstrations yesterday reflected acute anger over the death of a motorcycle taxi driver struck by a police vehicle during clashes the previous night. But the unrest follows a series of protests stretching back to the start of Mr Prabowo's term fueled by economic anxiety, marking the most serious political test of his presidency.

In his first remarks since the protests erupted this week, he criticised the police over the death and promised to hold officers accountable. Thousands took to the streets the day before to oppose lawmakers’ excessive allowances and demand an increase in minimum wage.

“I am shocked and disappointed by the excessive actions of the officers,’ he said in a TV address. He also called on Indonesians to remain calm and be vigilant against “elements that always want to cause unrest and chaos.’