Mass protests have erupted across Indonesia, triggered by the death of 21-year-old ride-sharing driver Affan Kurniawan, who was reportedly struck by a police vehicle. Kurniawan was engaged in protests against housing benefits for politicians and issues related to the rising cost of living.
On Friday, in major cities such as Jakarta and Surabaya, police employed tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds, while some demonstrators responded with Molotov cocktails and fireworks. The unrest is a significant challenge for President Prabowo Subianto, highlighting public discontent over unemployment, low wages, high taxes, and increasing living costs.
Kurniawan’s funeral occurred on the same day, attended by former colleagues, police officials, and politicians, including Jakarta police chief Asep Edi Suheri. They appealed for an in-depth investigation into the incident, urging delivery workers to halt protests to preserve stability. An apology from President Subianto was issued, expressing shock at the police actions. The governor of Jakarta also offered condolences and financial support for Kurniawan’s funeral.
Following Kurniawan’s demise, seven members of the Mobile Brigade Corps faced disciplinary actions for breaching police ethics. As tensions escalated, protesters attempted to disrupt a police convoy, with clashes reported near the Indonesian National Police headquarters. Demonstrators across various regions also voiced their discontent, building barriers and setting fire to them outside police stations.
In context, the protests reflect widespread dissatisfaction, particularly centered around a new monthly allowance for lawmakers set at 50 million rupiah (approximately $3,030), which contrasts sharply with the minimum wage in Jakarta. Key grievances include demands for higher wages, lower taxes, and enhanced anti-corruption measures, with Kurniawan’s death serving as a catalyst for broader unrest. Gojek, Kurniawan’s employer, has pledged to support his family and acknowledged the impact of his loss on the community.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjw6el72xd4o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss