PROTESTS across Indonesia escalated into violence late Friday following the death of Affan Kurniawan, a motorcycle taxi driver fatally struck by a police tactical vehicle during demonstrations earlier in the week.
The incident has sparked national outrage, with protestors calling for police reform and justice for Kurniawan.
On Friday evening, demonstrators at the Indonesian Parliament complex tore down the perimeter fence near the Secretariat General of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) around 8pm local time. A group armed with bamboo sticks, rocks, and water bottles breached the area.
The situation prompted immediate intervention by members of the Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), who drove out the crowd and formed a human barricade in place of the destroyed fencing.
In a separate incident earlier that afternoon, a building opposite the Brimob headquarters in Kwitang caught fire after a group of rioters stormed the compound following the use of tear gas by police.
The fire broke out around 4.20pm amidst rising tensions surrounding Kurniawan’s death, which occurred during Thursday's protests in Jakarta.
His death has been a rallying cry for thousands, who have taken to the streets demanding accountability and widespread reform of Indonesia’s security institutions.
Reuters reported that what began as peaceful demonstrations has now evolved into nationwide unrest, with clashes, arson, and property destruction reported in several cities.
Demonstrations on Friday saw protestors gathering at key sites in Jakarta, including Parliament and police headquarters, chanting "Killer! Killer!" and throwing stones at security forces. Protestors wearing green jackets — symbolising Indonesia’s motorcycle ride-sharing drivers — also mobilised in Bandung, Surabaya, and Gorontalo.
Heavy rain dispersed part of the crowd in Jakarta after nightfall, although some remained, keeping fires made from bamboo and tyres alight while singing patriotic songs. Police again deployed tear gas on protestors attempting to storm the police compound.
In Bandung, protestors set fire to a residence belonging to a member of the People's Consultative Assembly, while a police post in Makassar, Sulawesi, was also torched, local media reported.
One demonstrator in Jakarta, 43-year-old driver Pendi Nasir, told Reuters: "We don't want our colleagues here to become victims of this riot again," calling for a transparent investigation into Kurniawan’s death and action against those responsible.
Public figures, including stand-up comedian Aci Resti, have joined the movement. Speaking at a rally outside Parliament, she said: "I'm here to voice the opinions of my friends, who are fed up with everything — with the members of the House of Representatives, with the government."
Despite President Prabowo Subianto’s televised appeal for calm and his promise of a “thorough and transparent investigation,” protests continue to intensify. “I am shocked and disappointed by the excessive actions of the officers,” Prabowo said, offering condolences to Kurniawan’s family.
The unrest poses a serious challenge to Prabowo's administration, which will mark its first anniversary in October. Analysts have warned of further instability if the government fails to act decisively. “If Prabowo isn't careful, protests may devolve into chaos,” said Made Supriatma, visiting fellow at Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.
The impact has already been felt economically, with Indonesia’s rupiah weakening by 0.9% to 16,495 against the US dollar, and the main stock index falling by as much as 2.3% before closing down 1.5% — its lowest since August 12.
Jakarta Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri confirmed that the armoured vehicle involved in Thursday’s incident fatally struck Kurniawan, who was not participating in the protest. He publicly apologised to Kurniawan’s family.
Seven police officers present in the vehicle at the time have been detained for 20 days for an ethical breach, according to national police official Abdul Karim.
Kurniawan’s funeral was attended by hundreds of fellow ride-sharing drivers, who escorted his body in a motorcade through central Jakarta. “We are deeply disappointed, especially with the security officials and national police chief,” said driver Ari Potret. “This is barbaric.”
Jakarta Legal Aid has urged the authorities to release more than 600 individuals detained during the protests. - August 30, 2025
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