No Filipinos harmed in Indonesia’s deadly protests - DFA

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippine government says no Filipino citizen has been reported harmed in the ongoing protests in Indonesia, which have spiraled into some of the most violent unrest the country has seen in decades.

As of July 31, approximately 6,002 overseas Filipinos reside in Indonesia, with around 1,779 based in Jakarta, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

The unrest began in late August with large-scale demonstrations against parliamentary pay raises and luxury housing allowances. In a Reuters report, protests escalated after a motorcycle ride-sharing driver was fatally hit by a police vehicle during a protest, triggering widespread outrage and a violent response, including riots, arson, and clashes with security forces. At least five people have died, and regional parliament buildings and private residences have been set ablaze.

President Prabowo Subianto announced that lawmakers’ benefits would be revoked in an effort to appease protesters and deployed the military and police to quell the violence. He canceled a planned trip to China and has labeled some protest actions as bordering on treason and terrorism.

The Philippine Embassy in Jakarta and Consulate General in Manado said they continue to closely monitor developments, coordinating with Filipino community leaders on the ground.

It advised Filipinos in Indonesia to exercise caution, stay away from protest areas, and keep informed via the Posts’ respective Facebook pages and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) hotlines:

Jakarta Embassy: facebook.com/PHLinIndonesia; WhatsApp ATN: +62 811-887-334

Manado Consulate: facebook.com/PHinManado; Duty Phone (Bahasa Indonesia): +62 811-4321-132; Duty Phone (ATN): +62 811-431-130

Both posts remain in close coordination with community leaders as the DFA said it will provide updates as necessary.