Three individuals have perished following the arson attack on a council building by protesters in eastern Indonesia, as demonstrations spreading across the country were caused by the killing of a ride-sharing driver, Affan Kurniawan, 21. The demonstrations, which are a sign of nationwide anger over low pay and political costs, are presenting a big challenge to President Prabowo Subianto.
Death of Affan Kurniawan Sparks Outrage
Kurniawan was knocked down by a police car in Jakarta during previous protests. His death has sparked protests in several cities, including Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Surakarta, and Medan. Thousands of supporters and riders have marched on the streets calling for justice.
Affan Kurniawan’s funeral was held on Friday, with his former coworkers, Jakarta police chief Asep Edi Suheri, politicians Rieke Dyah Pitaloka and former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan present. They demanded a full investigation but called for protesters to keep things stable. The police chief again issued an official apology, and President Subianto himself offered condolences, stating he was “shocked and appalled by the excessive behavior of the officers.” Jakarta governor Pramono Anung also went to the family, offering condolences and funds for funeral preparations.
Protests Escalate
Protests escalated as people protested outside police headquarters calling for accountability. A banner with the message “arrest the damn officers” was erected on a pedestrian bridge. Protesters attempted to block police convoys, piling rocks in their way, and police retaliated with tear gas. Some protesters hurled Molotov cocktails and firecrackers at police compounds despite heavy rain.
Pertamina University students also participated in the protests, swelling the crowds. Footage taken by drones at the funeral indicated thousands of motorcyclists participating, with several wearing the green jackets that identified workers for Gojek, Kurniawan’s company.
Gojek’s Response
Gojek issued a message mourning the loss of Kurniawan:
Police Accountability
Seven officers of the Mobile Brigade Corps (Satbrimob) were discovered to have breached the police professional code of ethics following the incident. The revelations have drawn stronger calls for justice and accountability with demonstrators calling for immediate action by the law.
Broader Grievances
Although Kurniawan’s death was the immediate cause of the protests, the demonstrations have highlighted deeper frustration, including:
- Low minimum salaries for employees, particularly ride-sharing drivers
- Large allowances for politicians, as high as 50 million rupiah ($3,030) a month, close to ten times the Jakarta minimum salary
- Calls for greater anti-corruption steps and lower taxes
Several dozens of cars were burned in demonstrations, which showed the ferocity of popular indignation.
National Impact
The demonstrations nationwide highlight deeper socioeconomic tensions within Indonesia, merging mourning over Kurniawan’s death with demands for systemic change. Officials are being pushed to act on citizen demands while avoiding increased violence.
The killing of Affan Kurniawan has ignited a national reckoning regarding law enforcement, labor rights, and political accountability, positioning it as one of Indonesia’s most consequential domestic crises in recent months.
