Tragic Blaze Linked to Protests Claims Lives on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia (August 30, 2025)
At least three individuals have lost their lives and five more have sustained injuries due to a fire attributed to protesters at a regional parliament building in Makassar, the bustling capital of South Sulawesi province. This unfortunate incident occurred amidst escalating demonstrations that have swept across Indonesia, particularly affecting major urban centers.
The disaster management agency confirmed the fatalities resulting from the fire, which broke out on Friday evening. According to Rahmat Mappatoba, secretary of the Makassar city council, two victims perished on-site, while a third succumbed to injuries in the hospital. Eyewitness accounts indicate that these individuals were trapped inside the engulfed structure.
Mappatoba accused the protesters of breaching the premises and intentionally igniting the fire. Reports indicate that some victims attempted to escape the inferno by jumping from the building, leading to further injuries among the crowd.
The fire, now extinguished, has left many in the community reeling. Indonesian cities, including the capital, Jakarta, have been the epicenter of protests following the disturbing footage of a motorcycle delivery driver being fatally run over by a police vehicle earlier in the week. This incident has sparked widespread outrage over low wages and perceived government excesses.
In Bandung, West Java’s capital, commercial properties, including a bank and restaurant, were reportedly set ablaze amid the unrest. In Jakarta, crowds gathered outside the Mobile Brigade Corp (Brimob) headquarters, where tensions escalated as demonstrators clashed with police, leading to the arrest of seven officers related to the driver’s death. Reports suggest over 200 protesters have been injured in the ensuing violence.
These protests represent the most significant challenge to President Prabowo Subianto during his administration, occurring less than a year into his tenure. In response to the turmoil, Prabowo has called for calm, initiated an investigation, and has expressed condolences to the deceased driver’s family while warning against the descent into chaos.
Amidst this unrest, young protesters continue to rally in Jakarta, reflecting the growing discontent with government actions and policies in Indonesia.