The Philippine Embassy in Indonesia has urged Filipinos living and working in Jakarta to remain indoors and avoid mass gatherings as demonstrations in the Indonesian capital continue to intensify.
In an advisory issued on August 29, the embassy cautioned: “Filipinos currently in Jakarta should exercise caution and vigilance for safety, and avoid large crowds that may put themselves in danger.” Officials stressed that while much of the city remains relatively safe, the mission is closely monitoring the situation and will release further guidance if necessary.
The advisory comes as protests that erupted on August 25 entered their second week, fueled by public anger over revelations that all 580 lawmakers receive a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (about $3,075). The figure—nearly ten times the minimum wage in Jakarta—has been met with outrage, sparking widespread demonstrations that have spread beyond the capital.
The unrest has grown increasingly violent in recent days, with reports of clashes, fires, and casualties prompting several foreign embassies to release their own travel warnings. President Prabowo Subianto has since suspended the controversial allowance and imposed restrictions on lawmakers’ foreign travel, but tensions remain high amid heightened security in Jakarta.
For Filipinos who may be affected by the protests, the embassy has provided its Assistance-to-Nationals hotline via WhatsApp at +62811887334.
