Protests swept across several Indonesian cities on Friday after a police vehicle fatally struck a motorcycle taxi driver, prompting officers to fire tear gas and President Prabowo Subianto to appeal for calm.
Clashes had already erupted in Jakarta on Thursday, as demonstrators railed against low wages and the generous perks enjoyed by lawmakers. Public anger continues to grow over the government’s economic policies.
The police response faced fierce criticism after videos circulating online showed a black tactical vehicle running over 30-year-old driver Affan Kurniawan.
President Prabowo visited Kurniawan’s family late on Friday to offer condolences and pledged an investigation. Yet hours later, furious crowds gathered outside the paramilitary police unit accused of involvement, throwing firecrackers and attempting to storm its Jakarta headquarters.
Protesters tore down signage from the building’s façade while others set tyres and cardboard alight. Tear gas filled the air, but demonstrators hurled canisters back to cheers from the crowd.
These demonstrations marked the most violent unrest since Prabowo took office in October, posing an early test for a leader who has promised rapid, state-led growth. His policies, including budget cuts to fund a free school meals scheme and a new sovereign wealth fund, have fuelled growing discontent.
Defiant crowds also gathered in front of Jakarta’s police headquarters, throwing firecrackers in heavy rain. Police accused them of launching rocks and petrol bombs, ordering them to disperse.
Unrest spread to other major cities including Surabaya in East Java and Medan in North Sumatra, where motorcycle taxi drivers in their trademark green-and-black jackets attacked local police bases.
In Jakarta, labour groups also rallied outside parliament on Thursday, demanding higher pay and condemning lawmakers’ allowances. MPs currently receive 50 million rupiah (£2,400) per month in housing benefits — nearly ten times the capital’s minimum wage.
Thousands of drivers later converged on the police mobile brigade headquarters, demanding justice for Kurniawan. “We want those responsible to face trial and to be dismissed,” said Muzakir, a 52-year-old driver.
Police confirmed that investigators are questioning seven officers in connection with the incident. Abdul Karim, head of the National Police’s internal affairs division, said they had breached ethical codes and would be detained for further investigation.