Jakarta (ANTARA) - Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo estimated that recent demonstrations across Indonesia caused nearly Rp900 billion (USD53 million) in infrastructure damage, with East Java suffering the worst losses.
“From our calculation, the total loss reached almost Rp900 billion,” Hanggodo said Tuesday in Jakarta.
The damage affected various public facilities, including Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) buildings, toll gates, bus stops, and other infrastructure across the country.
East Java recorded the highest losses due to extensive arson damage. Key sites affected included the Grahadi State Building, a protected cultural heritage site, and the DPRD office in Kediri City.
Hanggodo also highlighted significant destruction in Makassar, South Sulawesi, where the local DPRD office was burned down on August 29.
“The biggest losses are in East Java and Makassar,” he added.
In response, the Ministry of Public Works has allocated an emergency fund to begin repairs on damaged infrastructure. Hanggodo stressed that this funding would not affect other national priorities.
“We are using our emergency and internal budgets. This is part of our immediate response,” he said, adding that the move follows President Prabowo Subianto’s directive.
The unrest was sparked by the death of Affan Kurniawan, a ride-hailing motorcycle driver who was killed by a police armored vehicle during a protest in Jakarta on August 28.
His death triggered a wave of demonstrations across major cities, including Jakarta, East Java, and Makassar.
Several protests turned violent, leading to the destruction of government buildings, cultural landmarks, and public transportation infrastructure.
President Subianto has urged citizens to remain calm and place their trust in the government as it addresses the aftermath of the protests.
