Indonesia’s wave of unrest intensified over the weekend with looting, arson and deadly violence reported in multiple cities, as President Prabowo Subianto faced growing pressure to reassert control and respond decisively.

On Sunday, he told the nation that political parties had struck a deal to strip parliamentarians of housing allowances and overseas trip privileges – a rare concession amid mounting public anger.

But analysts warned this may only be the beginning, as the chaos has revealed a deeper legitimacy crisis, with public trust in state institutions crumbling and elite privilege fuelling widespread fury.

Protests escalated on Sunday with reports of looting at the homes of the finance minister and several lawmakers, as a fire started by protesters at a council building killed at least three people.

Frustration with lawmakers, accused of being oblivious to the struggles of common folk, snowballed into widespread violence after a delivery driver was fatally hit by a police tactical vehicle deployed to deal with protesters earlier decrying low wages and financial perks for legislators.

Southeast Asia’s largest economy is now grappling with unrest across major cities, including the capital Jakarta, marking the biggest challenge so far for Prabowo’s presidency less than a year into the former general’s rule.