Indonesia News: Anti-Government Protests Escalate in Indonesia, TikTok Halts Live Streams

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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has canceled a planned trip to China as anti-government protests intensified across the country. The demonstrations, which began in Jakarta, have now spread beyond the capital, raising concerns over rising instability.

Officials said the decision to cancel the trip was taken to allow the president to focus on the domestic situation. The visit to China was expected to include discussions on trade, investment, and regional security.

Widespread Protests

The protests have been driven by anger at government policies and frustration over economic conditions. Demonstrators clashed with security forces in several cities, with riot police using shields and barricades to control crowds. Reports indicate that the protests have disrupted traffic, business activity, and public transport in major urban areas.

The unrest marks one of the largest waves of demonstrations in Indonesia in recent years. Protesters have demanded political reforms and voiced discontent over what they see as declining freedoms and poor governance.

TikTok Suspends Live Feature

Adding to the situation, social media platform TikTok has suspended its live-streaming feature in Indonesia. The company said the move was temporary and was taken due to concerns over “increasing violence” and the risk of live feeds being misused during the protests.

TikTok has a massive user base in Indonesia, particularly among younger people, and the suspension of live features is expected to limit how protest footage circulates in real time. Other social media platforms are also being closely monitored amid the unrest.

Government Response

Authorities have called for calm and urged protesters to express their demands peacefully. Security forces remain deployed in Jakarta and other key cities to prevent further escalation.

The government has said it is open to dialogue but insists that public order must be maintained. Meanwhile, rights groups have warned against excessive use of force by police, calling for restraint in handling the demonstrations.

The cancellation of the president’s overseas trip and TikTok’s restrictions underscore the seriousness of the crisis. With protests continuing to spread, the government faces mounting pressure to address both political grievances and economic concerns.