Makassar, S. Sulawesi. Police in South Sulawesi have named 11 people as suspects in connection with violent protests in Makassar that left several people dead and government buildings torched.

South Sulawesi Police spokesman Didik Supranoto said the suspects were arrested in multiple locations across and outside the city following Friday’s unrest. They are accused of vandalism and arson at the Makassar City Council building on Jalan Andi Pangerang Pettarani and the South Sulawesi Provincial Council building on Jalan Urip Sumoharjo.

“Three suspects were directly involved in the attack and burning at the provincial parliament, while eight others acted at the city parliament,” Didik told reporters on Wednesday.

The suspects, identified by their initials, range in age from 17 to 36 and come from varied backgrounds, including students, laborers, small business owners, a janitor, a parking attendant, and construction workers.

They face multiple charges under Indonesia’s Criminal Code, including vandalism, theft, and arson, which carry maximum penalties of 20 years in prison or life imprisonment. 

The riots erupted during a mass demonstration on Aug. 29, when thousands of people marched through Makassar. The protests spiraled into violence, with mobs setting fire to the two parliament buildings, torching dozens of cars and motorcycles, and looting property.

The unrest left three people dead and at least five injured, police said. In a separate incident near a private university on Jalan Urip Sumoharjo, a ride-hailing driver was beaten to death by a mob.

Authorities said investigations are continuing to determine each suspect’s role, including possible theft of state assets and destruction of public facilities.

The violence in Makassar formed part of a broader wave of demonstrations across Indonesia in late August, sparked by public anger over lawmakers’ housing allowances and worsening economic hardship.

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