Mass protests have broken out in cities across Indonesia with clashes between police and protesters following the death of a ride-sharing driver who was hit by a police vehicle on Thursday night.
Twenty-one-year-old Affan Kurniawan had been participating in protests against housing perks for politicians and the rising cost of living.
On Friday, police in Jakarta and Surabaya deployed tear gas and water cannons against protesters, who responded by throwing Molotov cocktails and fireworks.
The unrest poses a significant challenge to President Prabowo Subianto, with ongoing frustrations due to lack of jobs and income, compounded by high taxes and escalating living costs.
Kurniawan’s funeral took place on Friday, attended by former colleagues and notable politicians who called for a thorough investigation into his death, urging demonstrators to disperse for the sake of stability.
As tensions surged, protesters gathered outside police headquarters demanding accountability for Kurniawan’s death. President Subianto has issued an apology, expressing his shock and disappointment at the police actions.
Seven members of the Mobile Brigade Corps have been found to have breached police ethics in relation to the incident, further escalating hostility among demonstrators.
In addition to protests in Jakarta, similar demonstrations have erupted in other cities such as Jawa Barat and Medan. During these events, protesters have displayed banners demanding justice and accountability.
Kurniawan's employer, Gojek, released a statement expressing sorrow over his death and promising to support his family. Complaints among demonstrators extend beyond this tragedy, addressing significant socio-economic issues, including a controversial proposed monthly allowance for lawmakers that nearly outpaces the minimum wage.
