Indonesia’s worst wave of violent protests in years seems to have paused after the government ordered the military and police to take stern action against rioters and looters.

President Prabowo Subianto, who canceled a trip to China due to the unrest, has authorized “firm” action to stop a wave of looting.

The economic inequality, the tragic death of Kurniawan, and subsequent violent protests created a volatile situation, leading to widespread unrest and fires across Indonesia in August 2025.