(In Indonesia) Jakarta Protests Erupt After Ride-Hailing Driver Killed by Police Vehicle

 

Tensions have risen sharply in Jakarta after the death of a ride-hailing driver, Affan Kurniawan, who was struck and killed by a police armored vehicle during clashes near parliament. Police had been trying to disperse demonstrators protesting against lawmakers’ pay and education funding. The incident has triggered outrage across Indonesia’s capital, with students calling for fresh protests at police headquarters.

President Prabowo Subianto released a video message expressing condolences and shock at the excessive actions of the officers involved. He ordered a full and transparent investigation, stressing that those responsible must be held accountable. Despite the president’s pledge, student leaders vowed to continue demonstrations, highlighting anger over police violence.

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Jakarta police chief Asep Edi Suheri publicly apologized for the death, while authorities confirmed that the seven crew members of the vehicle involved have been arrested. Local media reported that riot police fired tear gas and used water cannons late on Thursday night, escalating the unrest. Motorcycle drivers’ associations confirmed Kurniawan was not involved in the protests but was caught at the scene. His funeral was attended by hundreds of fellow drivers, who escorted his body in a large convoy through central Jakarta.

Following the driver’s death, groups of motorcycle drivers staged protests outside the riot police headquarters on Thursday night. Local television reported that military officers were deployed to calm the situation after dozens of drivers gathered demanding accountability. The anger continued Friday as student unions pledged to take to the streets again in Jakarta’s business district, an area surrounded by banks and major companies. Many schools released students early, and businesses instructed staff to work from home in anticipation of unrest.

The fallout extended beyond the streets into financial markets. The rupiah fell almost one percent to its lowest level in a month, before recovering slightly, while the stock market index dropped two percent, its lowest point since mid August. Analysts linked the market reaction directly to the incident and the political uncertainty surrounding the protests.

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Jakarta Legal Aid called on the government and police to release around 600 people detained during the demonstrations. At Kurniawan’s funeral, fellow drivers expressed deep anger, calling the actions of police “barbaric.” The case has become a flashpoint for wider frustrations over state authority, police accountability, and living conditions in Indonesia’s largest city. Both drivers and students are expected to continue demanding justice.