Post by : Meena Ariff

Indonesian police fired tear gas at hundreds of protesters in the capital today as demonstrations erupted over the death of a motorcycle taxi driver. The protests come just hours after President Prabowo Subianto promised a full investigation into the incident.

The protests are part of growing public anger at rising wages and perceived lavish perks for lawmakers, along with concerns about the government’s handling of the economy. Tensions escalated yesterday when violent clashes between protesters and police broke out. Videos circulating on social media showing a black tactical vehicle running over a man drew sharp criticism and fueled further outrage.

President Promises Investigation

President Prabowo expressed his “deepest condolences and sympathy” over the death of Affan Kurniawan, a gig motorcycle driver. He assured the public that the incident would be investigated thoroughly and transparently.

“I have ordered the last night’s incident to be thoroughly and transparently investigated, and that the officers involved be held accountable,” the president said.

He added that the government would take “the strongest possible actions” if any police officers were found to have acted against proper conduct and regulations.

Protests Spread Across Cities

Hundreds of protesters gathered at the paramilitary police unit’s headquarters in Jakarta on Friday afternoon. Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, according to witnesses on the scene. The protests have not been limited to the capital; cities such as Surabaya in East Java and Medan in North Sumatra province have also seen demonstrations.

On Thursday, protesters gathered near the Indonesian parliament in Jakarta to express their anger at high salaries and benefits for lawmakers. Lawmakers receive a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (around RM12,670), which is nearly ten times the minimum wage in Jakarta. Labour groups also protested, demanding higher pay and action against recent mass layoffs affecting workers across the country.

Taxi Drivers Demand Justice

Thousands of motorcycle taxi drivers, locally known as “ojeks,” rallied outside the police mobile brigade headquarters in central Jakarta. Police blocked a stretch of road and fired tear gas in an effort to control the crowd.

“I joined the protest because I’m very concerned about the death of my fellow driver,” said 52-year-old driver Muzakir. “We demand justice for Affan. The officers who ran him over must be tried fairly and dismissed from their jobs.”

Many drivers wore their green and black jackets, the signature uniform of gig motorcycle drivers, and shouted slogans demanding accountability. Objects were hurled at the police during the protest.

Police Action and Accountability

Authorities are currently questioning seven officers in connection with the incident. Abdul Karim, head of the National Police’s internal affairs division, confirmed that these officers had violated police ethics codes. They will be detained for further investigation.

This incident poses an early challenge for President Prabowo, who has promised fast, state-driven growth aimed at transforming Indonesia into a major economic power in Southeast Asia. However, some of his policies, including budget cuts to fund school meal programs and a new sovereign wealth fund, have already sparked public discontent.

Public Reaction and Next Steps

The death of Affan Kurniawan has reignited debates over worker rights, police accountability, and government transparency. Protesters are calling for justice, fair trials, and stronger protections for gig economy workers. The government’s response and the results of the investigation will be closely watched, both by the Indonesian public and the international community.

Analysts warn that these protests reflect broader social and economic tensions in Indonesia, highlighting the gap between government policies and the needs of ordinary workers. The coming days are likely to see continued demonstrations as citizens demand action and accountability.

The tragic death of a motorcycle taxi driver has sparked nationwide protests in Indonesia, with police firing tear gas to disperse crowds in Jakarta. President Prabowo has promised a full investigation, while protesters demand justice and fair treatment for gig economy workers. The incident reflects growing public frustration with government policies, lawmaker perks, and economic issues affecting workers.