Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto vowed Monday that he “will not retreat even a step” in confronting rioters responsible for violent unrest across Jakarta and several provinces over the past week, while insisting that legitimate demonstrators should not be blamed for the chaos.

Speaking after visiting victims at the National Police’s Bhayangkara Hospital in East Jakarta, Prabowo said the violence was fueled by “rioters, not protesters,” and accused the groups of trying to destabilize the nation and derail its development.

A total of 43 people have been treated at the hospital since the clashes began, with 16 discharged and 17 still under care: 14 police officers and three civilians. Among the victims is a woman on her way to the market who suffered a broken thigh after rioters seized her motorcycle.

“Their intention is not to voice aspirations. Their intention is to cause chaos, disrupt people’s lives, and sabotage national development efforts aimed at ending poverty,” Prabowo said.

He also alleged that parts of the unrest were premeditated, citing the discovery of a truck carrying arson tools.

Prabowo reiterated that the government guarantees freedom of expression, provided demonstrations are peaceful, registered with authorities, and end by 6 p.m. local time.

The president ordered National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo to grant extraordinary promotions to officers injured during the clashes, many of whom suffered severe wounds, including skull fractures, severed limbs, and crushed organs.

Prabowo also condemned the vandalism of the House of Representatives complex in Jakarta, calling it an assault on democracy. “The parliament building represents national sovereignty. Burning it shows the intent was not to protest, but to create unrest,” he said.

“By God, I will not retreat even a step. I believe the people are with me,” Prabowo declared.

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