While authorities have not officially declared martial law, residents describe a sweeping security presence involving police and military-linked forces across the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation.

The source added that TikTok’s live-streaming function was suspended amid reports that “the police will shoot at the demonstrators.” Authorities have not immediately confirmed these alleged shooting orders, though residents reported sighting a sniper in a high-rise building near protest areas.

The protests erupted in Jakarta following public outrage over reports that the 580 members of the People’s Representative Council (DPR) receive monthly packages worth approximately $6,100 in local currency—more than 20 times Jakarta’s minimum wage. The 152 senators of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) are believed to enjoy similar benefits.

Critics argue these salaries highlight systemic corruption and a widening gap between political elites and ordinary citizens struggling with tax increases, budget cuts, and what many perceive as an expanding military role in civilian governance.

Tensions escalated dramatically after a police vehicle struck and killed a young motorcycle taxi rider in Jakarta. Subsequently, three additional deaths occurred when protesters set fire to a parliament building in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi province.

The unrest forced President Prabowo Subianto to cancel his planned trip to China, where he was scheduled to attend a September 3 “Victory Day” parade commemorating 80 years since Japan’s surrender in World War II.

Officials noted that Prabowo’s upcoming attendance at the U.N. General Assembly in New York was another consideration, where Indonesia is expected to support recognition of an independent Palestinian state. Jakarta has already condemned what it terms Israel’s planned “military takeover” of Gaza and urged global recognition of Palestinian statehood.

As protests spread nationwide, Indonesian authorities summoned social media giants TikTok and Meta to demand stricter content moderation, claiming “disinformation” was fueling the unrest. ByteDance-owned TikTok confirmed suspending its live feature for several days, though some Indonesians question whether this was voluntary.

Demonstrations have reached Indonesia’s premier tourism destination Bali, where police deployed tear gas according to local media reports. In Jakarta, protesters looted furniture from the residence of NasDem legislator Ahmad Sahroni after he insulted critics calling for parliament’s dissolution, labeling them “the stupidest people in the world,” according to The Jakarta Post.

Amid the burned-out buildings and ongoing clashes, Indonesia’s minority Christian community has turned to prayer for peace and stability. Believers in cities such as Medan have begun organizing prayer services.

The current unrest represents the first major test of Prabowo’s administration, which is less than a year old, and raises significant questions about Indonesia’s democratic trajectory under expanding military influence, according to Christian observers.