• At least 20 individuals are reported missing amid protests in Indonesia.
• Eight people have been confirmed dead, following escalating unrest over lawmakers' perks.
• The military has been deployed in Jakarta as tensions rise nationwide.
• Calls for investigations into police violence have been made by the UN and human rights groups.
• Protests have spread to multiple cities with confrontations reported nationwide.

Violent protests in Indonesia have led to at least 20 individuals missing, as unrest over lavish perks for lawmakers escalated last week. The protests began after footage surfaced of a young delivery driver being killed by a paramilitary police unit, sparking widespread anger against police. The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) stated that they had received 23 reports of missing persons; however, 20 remain unaccounted for following a verification process, with incidents noted in cities such as Bandung and Jakarta, including some occurring in unspecified locations, according to The Jakarta Post, India Times, and South China Morning Post.

Since the unrest erupted, the situation has tragically escalated, with at least eight confirmed deaths reported according to the chief economic minister. The protests forced President Prabowo Subianto to reverse his stance on lawmakers' allowances, marking the most significant challenge to his administration since taking office in October 2024. In addition, over 1,200 arrests have occurred since the protests began, and clashes have been reported in other cities across Indonesia amidst growing tension, according to The Jakarta Post and India Times.

Amid these tensions, the UN has called for investigations into the alleged excessive use of force by security forces during the protests. Many local and international rights groups have condemned the security responses, asserting that the government has treated protests as acts of terrorism rather than civic dissent, as stated by a spokesperson from the UN human rights office, according to South China Morning Post and India Times.

The military has been deployed throughout Jakarta in response to the protests, where hundreds gathered outside the parliament. Reportedly, checkpoints have been established, and joint police-military patrols have been initiated. Clashes and violent confrontations have reportedly spread to cities including Palembang and Gorontalo, where protesters have engaged in fierce opposition to law enforcement, culminating in injuries on both sides, according to The Jakarta Post and South China Morning Post.