Jakarta — Protests flared again in Indonesia’s capital on Friday after a motorcycle ride-share driver, identified as 21-year-old Affan Kurniawan, was struck and later died after being hit by an armoured police vehicle during clashes near the national parliament. The fatal incident — captured in widely shared video footage — has rekindled nationwide outrage over alleged excessive force by security forces and prompted fresh demonstrations in Jakarta and other cities.
Witnesses and local media said the vehicle — belonging to the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) — hit Affan as police moved to disperse crowds protesting lawmakers’ pay and broader cost-of-living grievances. Footage circulating on social platforms shows chaotic scenes in which bystanders try to pull the injured man from under the vehicle. Authorities later confirmed that a team operating the armoured vehicle has been detained for questioning.
Affan’s death has become a rallying point beyond student protest groups: thousands of ride-hailing drivers and supporters reportedly joined vigils and marches, while student leaders called for renewed nationwide demonstrations until those responsible are held to account. Several news outlets reported that thousands attended Affan’s funeral, and that drivers changed app or profile images in solidarity.
The police response and government reaction
Jakarta’s police chief issued a public apology and said officers involved would face disciplinary or criminal procedures; the government has pledged an investigation. President Prabowo Subianto expressed sorrow in a video message, asked for calm and said his administration would ensure a transparent probe and support for the victim’s family. Nevertheless, rights groups and opposition figures say the explanation falls short and are pressing for an independent inquiry.
Security forces used tear gas and water cannon as protests resumed around the Mobile Brigade headquarters and other strategic locations. Local media and foreign wire services reported clashes, property damage near protest sites and authorities deploying additional personnel in parts of Jakarta. Schools and some businesses shortened hours or told staff to work from home amid safety concerns.
Wider political and economic impact
The killing has also had immediate political and economic reverberations. Analysts and reports said the unrest represents an early and serious test for President Prabowo’s administration, exposing public anger over perceived political privilege and rising living costs. Financial markets reacted: the rupiah weakened and the Jakarta stock index saw losses as investors reassessed short-term risk from civil unrest.
What protesters demand
Protesters — originally mobilised over lawmakers’ generous allowances and complaints about education and wage policies — say Affan’s death confirms a pattern of heavy-handed policing and highlights wider government disconnect from everyday economic struggles. Demonstrators are calling for accountability for the officers involved, reforms to crowd-control rules, and greater protections for ordinary workers. Legal aid groups have also demanded the release of detained demonstrators and access to fair legal process.
Next steps and what to watch
Authorities have detained several members of the Brimob team associated with the vehicle, though investigators are still establishing the precise sequence of events that led to Affan’s death. Observers will be watching whether Jakarta’s probe is perceived as independent and thorough — a factor likely to determine whether protests subside or escalate — and whether national leaders take steps to address the underlying political and economic grievances fuelling the demonstrations.
