Prabowo Warns of Orchestrated Riots as Business Leaders Call for Calm and Security Assurances
Main Takeaways
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto has warned that the violent demonstrations erupting across several Indonesian cities in late August have shown signs of being deliberately orchestrated, with the aim of destabilizing national development.
Speaking after visiting injured police officers at the Police Hospital in Jakarta on Monday, Sept 1, 2025, Prabowo said he received reports of trucks carrying large fireworks and incendiary devices being deployed at protest sites.
“In many places, I received reports of trucks filled with heavy fireworks and burning tools. Many officers were hit, with burns on their necks and legs. This was no longer a protest. This was planned chaos,” Prabowo said.
He emphasized that attacks on the parliament building and regional legislatures pointed to a larger agenda. “The intention was not to convey opinions, but to disrupt and damage the national effort to eliminate poverty,” he added.
Prabowo reiterated that Indonesia’s constitution guarantees the right to protest but underlined demonstrations must remain peaceful, legal, and conclude by 6 p.m. local time. He vowed that his government would continue prioritizing programs for the poor despite attempts to derail them.
Retail Sector's Concerns
The unrest has also unsettled Indonesia’s retail sector. Alphonzus Widjaja, Chairman of the Indonesian Shopping Center Management Association (APPBI), said prolonged disruption could harm retail supply chains, particularly for basic goods.
“Shopping centers and retailers are committed to keeping supplies intact, but we need government security support to ensure the retail supply chain, especially of essential goods, is not disrupted,” Alphonzus told Investortrust.id on Sunday, Aug 31, 2025.
He warned that if the security situation remains unstable, consumer activity and broader economic stability could weaken. Budihardjo Iduansjah, Chairman of the Indonesian Retail and Tenant Association (HIPPINDO), echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of securing malls, vital infrastructure, and logistics.
Targeted Policies and Communication
Shinta Kamdani, Chairwoman of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), emphasized the need for close coordination between industry groups and security forces before imposing work-from-home (WFH) directives in response to unrest.
“Not all sectors can operate from home, and not all regions are under immediate threat. If WFH is implemented indiscriminately, productivity will suffer and uncertainty will deepen,” Shinta said during a virtual meeting with Kadin Indonesia on Monday.
She noted that in recent days several domestic and international business meetings had already been canceled due to the unrest, raising concerns over Indonesia’s investment climate. “Investor perception matters. If this continues, confidence will be affected. Clear communication from government is critical to assure investors that the situation is under control,” she stressed.
Shinta added that Apindo is also engaging with labor unions to maintain social stability ahead of minimum wage deliberations in October. She called on all associations to work together to calm tensions and prevent further escalation.
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