Jakarta Under Military-Style Emergency; Christians Urge Prayers

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

MEDAN/JAKARTA (Worthy News) – Christians in Indonesia told Worthy News that the capital Jakarta has effectively been placed under military-style emergency conditions after protests over corruption and lavish perks for lawmakers killed at least four people.

While authorities have not declared martial law, residents reported a sweeping security presence involving police and military-linked forces. “If journalists dare to go live and the police see them, they will be beaten,” one Christian entrepreneur involved in evangelism and house churches told Worthy News on condition of anonymity.

She added that social media platform TikTok’s “live-streaming function” was suspended because “the police will shoot at the demonstrators.” She urged prayers for Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, amid fears of escalating unrest.

Worthy News did not publish her name amid security concerns. Authorities did not immediately confirm the reported shooting order, but residents told Worthy News earlier that a sniper had been seen in a high-rise near the protests.

The protests began in Jakarta after outrage over reports that the 580 members of the People’s Representative Council (DPR) receive monthly packages worth about $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 perks.

CORRUPTION CONCERNS

Critics say the salaries highlight corruption and a widening gap between elites and ordinary citizens struggling with tax hikes, budget cuts, and what many see as an expanding role for the military in civilian life.

The anger intensified after a police vehicle hit and killed a young motorcycle taxi rider in Jakarta.

Soon after, three others died when protesters set fire to a parliament building in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi province. Officials confirmed the deaths as well as multiple injuries.

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

“The president wants to continue monitoring the situation in Indonesia directly and seek the best solutions,” presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi said in a video statement.

RECOGNIZING PALESTINIAN STATE

Another consideration, officials said, was Prabowo’s upcoming attendance at the U.N. General Assembly in New York, where Indonesia is expected to back recognition of an independent Palestinian state.

Jakarta has already condemned what it called Israel’s planned “military takeover” of Gaza and urged all nations to recognize the State of Palestine.

As protests spread, Indonesia summoned social media giants TikTok and Meta to demand stricter content moderation, claiming “disinformation” was fueling unrest.

TikTok, part of Chinese-owned ByteDance, confirmed it suspended its live feature for several days, though some Indonesians doubt it was voluntary.

Protests also reached Indonesia’s tourism island Bali, where police used tear gas, local media reported.

PRAYERS AMID LOOTING

Demonstrators also looted furniture from the Jakarta 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 newspaper.

Amid burned-out buildings and lingering clashes, minority Christians are turning to prayer.

Believers in cities such as Medan have begun organizing services, asking for peace and stability.

“I hope my country will be good again soon. Please pray for my country,” one Christian told Worthy News.

The unrest is seen as the first major test of Prabowo’s government, which is less than a year old, and raises questions about Indonesia’s democratic trajectory under expanding military influence, Christians suggested.

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