Violent protests have erupted across Indonesia, leaving three people dead after a crowd set a council building ablaze following nationwide demonstrations over the death of a ride-sharing driver. Authorities are now grappling with mounting public anger as the unrest escalates in major cities across the archipelago.
The protests initially started as a response to the death of Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old ride-sharing driver whom Police vehicles tragically struck him during an earlier protest in Jakarta concerning low wages and politician expenses.
Kurniawan’s death has become a symbol for many people struggling with economic hardship. His funeral on Friday saw thousands of fellow riders gathering in a powerful show of solidarity and grief as they arrived on foot and on their vehicles, many wearing the distinctive green jackets of their employer, Gojek.
Government Scrambles to Respond
President Prabowo Subianto quickly visited Kurniawan’s family to offer his condolences as he later released a statement saying he felt “shocked and disappointed by the excessive actions of the officers.” Meanwhile, police officials apologized and announced they had found seven members of the Mobile Brigade Corps had “violated the police professional code of ethics.”
As tensions escalated, police fired tear gas at demonstrators who had gathered outside police headquarters demanding justice, throwing Molotov cocktails and firecrackers towards the police compound. Furthermore, protesters tried blocking a police convoy by throwing rocks at the vehicles.
Deeper Economic Tensions
The protests, however, reveal a much deeper source of public frustration with one core complaint centers on a new monthly allowance for lawmakers who receive 50 million rupiah ($3,030), which is almost ten times the minimum wage in Jakarta.
Additionally, demonstrators are demanding higher wages, lower taxes, and stronger anti-corruption measures. Gojek, the company Kurniawan worked for, issued a statement promising to support his family. Their message highlights the plight of many gig economy workers: “Behind every green jacket, there’s a family, prayers, and struggle.”
