In brief
Protests have intensified in Indonesia after the fatal incident involving a ride-sharing driver, Affan Kurniawan, who died after being hit by a police vehicle. Demonstrators are rallying against rising living costs and government policies, leading to clashes with law enforcement and calls for justice for Kurniawan. President Prabowo Subianto has issued an apology, while momentous gatherings at Kurniawan's funeral reflected widespread anger among the public.
Mass protests have broken out in cities across Indonesia with clashes between police and those in attendance 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 taking part in the action opposing housing perks for politicians and cost-of-living issues. On Friday, tear gas and water cannons were fired at crowds gathering in the major cities of Jakarta and Surabaya, while some protesters threw Molotov cocktails and fireworks.The unrest is seen as a key test for President Prabowo Subianto, with frustrations over a lack of jobs, low wages, high taxes, and rising living costs.Affan Kurniawan's funeral took place on Friday, with his former colleagues accompanying him to his final resting place. They were joined by Jakarta police chief Asep Edi Suheri, as well as politicians Rieke Dyah Pitaloka and former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan, who expressed hope that the case would be thoroughly investigated but called on delivery riders to stop their protest in order to maintain stability. The police chief also repeated an apology.As this was happening, protesters gathered outside the police headquarters to demand justice for his death. An apology has also been issued to Mr. Kurniawan's family by President Prabowo Subianto, who said he was shocked and disappointed by the excessive actions of the officers. The governor of Jakarta, Pramono Anung, also visited Mr. Kurniawan's family, expressing condolences and offering financial assistance for funeral arrangements.On Friday, seven members of the Mobile Brigade Corps (Satbrimob) were found to have violated the police professional code of ethics. As the day went on, tensions ramped up, with protesters trying to block a police convoy and throwing rocks at the vehicles. The crowd continued to grow, with students from the local Pertamina University arriving.Protests were also seen taking place outside of Jakarta in Jawa Barat, Surakarta, Bandung, and Medan. Drone footage of Mr. Kurniawan's funeral showed thousands of riders turning out in support, many dressed in the distinctive green of their employer, Gojek.Following Mr. Kurniawan's death, Gojek released a heartfelt statement acknowledging his impact on their community and pledging support for his family. The protests reflect widespread public discontent over various issues, including a new monthly allowance for lawmakers nearly ten times the minimum wage in Jakarta. Protestors are additionally demanding better wages, lower taxes, and stronger anti-corruption measures.
