Hundreds of Indonesians have protested across Jakarta over the death of a man hit by a police vehicle, marking the first major challenge for President Prabowo Subianto’s nearly year-old government. The victim, Affan Kurniawan, a motorcycle ride-sharing driver, was struck during clashes near parliament on Thursday as police dispersed demonstrators protesting lawmakers’ pay and education funding.
On Friday, protests in the capital prompted schools to close early and businesses to ask employees to work from home. The military was deployed in some areas, with footage showing protesters throwing rocks at gates and chanting “Killer. Killer.” Demonstrations also took place in Surabaya, Bandung, and Gorontalo.
President Prabowo expressed shock and disappointment, calling for a thorough investigation and accountability for officers involved. “I am shocked and disappointed by the excessive actions of the officers,” he said in a video message. Seven police officers from the vehicle that hit Kurniawan have been detained for 20 days for a breach of ethics.
Kurniawan’s funeral was attended by hundreds of fellow ride-sharing drivers, who escorted his body in a convoy through central Jakarta. “We are deeply disappointed, especially with the security officials and national police chief,” said driver Ari Potret. “This is barbaric.”
The protests have also affected financial markets, with the rupiah closing 0.9% weaker against the US dollar and the stock index falling 1.5%. Analysts warn that if not handled carefully, the unrest could escalate into chaos.
