Demonstrators burned road barriers outside the Jakarta police headquarters
Indonesia Protests Erupt After Taxi Driver’s Death in Clashes
Protests flare in Indonesia after a taxi driver’s death by police vehicle. Clashes escalate as citizens demand justice. Read more on AMERICA NEWS WORLD.
Mass protests have swept across Indonesia, sparked by the tragic death of a young motorcycle taxi driver. Affan Kurniawan, only 21, was killed when a police vehicle struck him during a chaotic demonstration. This incident has fueled anger, uniting thousands in cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Makassar. At AMERICA NEWS WORLD (america112.com), we dive into this unfolding crisis, bringing you the latest updates.
The unrest began earlier this week over public frustration with lawmakers’ lavish perks. Reports revealed that Indonesia’s 580 parliament members receive a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,030). This amount is nearly ten times Jakarta’s minimum wage. As a result, citizens, already struggling with rising costs and joblessness, took to the streets. However, the death of Affan Kurniawan, a Gojek driver, intensified the protests. Consequently, demands for justice and police reform have grown louder.
A friend seen praying at the grave of 21-year-old Mr Kurniawan
On Thursday night, Affan was reportedly delivering food when he was caught in the clashes near Jakarta’s parliament. An armored police vehicle ran him over, and videos circulating online show the horrifying moment. For instance, one clip captures the vehicle speeding through a crowd, striking Affan as he fell. This tragedy sparked outrage, with the hashtag #polisipembunuh (#killerpolice) trending on social media. Moreover, thousands of motorcycle drivers, wearing their signature green jackets, joined protests to honor their colleague.
Friday saw escalating tensions. Protesters, including students and workers, marched to the Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) headquarters in Jakarta. Some tried to storm the compound, throwing rocks and firecrackers. In response, police fired tear gas and water cannons. Meanwhile, in Makassar, a fire at the regional parliament killed three people, according to Indonesia’s state news agency Antara. Additionally, dozens of vehicles were set ablaze, highlighting the growing chaos.
President Prabowo Subianto addressed the nation, expressing shock at the police’s actions. “I am deeply saddened and concerned,” he said in a video statement. He promised a thorough investigation and urged calm. Similarly, Jakarta’s police chief, Asep Edi Suheri, apologized to Affan’s family. Seven Brimob officers have been detained for breaching ethics, but the driver of the vehicle remains unidentified. Nevertheless, these apologies have done little to ease public anger.
Affan’s funeral on Friday drew thousands, including fellow drivers and politicians like Rieke Dyah Pitaloka and former governor Anies Baswedan. A convoy of motorcycles escorted his body to Jakarta’s Karet Bivak Cemetery. Gojek issued a heartfelt statement: “Behind every green jacket, there’s a family, prayers, and struggle. Affan’s departure leaves deep sorrow.” The company pledged support for his family.
The protests reflect broader frustrations. Besides the lawmakers’ allowances, citizens demand higher wages, lower taxes, and stronger anti-corruption measures. For example, a proposed 250% increase in land and building taxes earlier this month fueled earlier demonstrations. Furthermore, budget cuts for education and health to fund Prabowo’s free meal program have added to the discontent. As a result, the unrest poses a significant challenge for Prabowo’s government, nearing its one-year mark.
Data from recent reports shows the scale of public anger. A survey by Indonesia’s Legal Aid Foundation noted that 68% of citizens feel the government ignores economic struggles. Additionally, unemployment rose to 5.3% in 2025, per government statistics, while inflation has driven up living costs by 7% since last year. These figures explain why protests have spread to cities like Bandung, Medan, and Surakarta.
Graph: Unemployment and inflation trends in Indonesia, 2024-2025
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Protesters have also used symbols to express defiance. For instance, the black skull flag from the anime One Piece has become a rallying symbol, despite government calls to ban it as a “threat to national unity.” Meanwhile, students like Muzammil Ihsan, head of Indonesia’s largest student union, vowed to continue rallying against police brutality.
The situation remains tense. Heavy rain did not deter protesters in Jakarta, who burned road barriers and chanted “Killer!” outside police headquarters. In Surakarta, about 1,000 drivers stormed a special ops building, breaking doors and burning barriers. Similarly, in Bandung, a legislative building was torched. These events signal a growing demand for accountability.
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