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 participating in a demonstration opposing housing perks for politicians and addressing cost-of-living issues.
On Friday, tear gas and water cannons were fired at crowds gathering in major cities such as Jakarta and Surabaya, while some protesters responded by throwing Molotov cocktails and fireworks.
The unrest represents a significant challenge for President Prabowo Subianto, as rising frustrations surrounding a lack of jobs, low wages, high taxes, and escalating living costs intensify.
Affan Kurniawan's funeral took place on Friday, attended by his colleagues, as well as politicians like Rieke Dyah Pitaloka and former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan, who expressed hopes for justice in his case while calling for an end to the protests to maintain stability. The police chief has issued apologies to the family.
The protests quickly escalated with demonstrators demanding accountability, gathering outside police headquarters and calling for justice. President Prabowo expressed his shock and disappointment at the police's excessive actions, issuing an apology to Kurniawan’s family.
Following Kurniawan's death, Gojek released a moving statement emphasizing the personal struggles and families behind their drivers, offering support to Kurniawan's family during this tragic time.
Protesters are rallying not only for justice in Kurniawan's case but also against a new law that will grant lawmakers a monthly allowance that outstrips the minimum wage in Jakarta. Additional concerns include demands for higher wages, lower taxes, and stronger measures against corruption.
