Unrest Erupts in Indonesia as Police Killing Sparks Nationwide Protests

Unrest Erupts in Indonesia as Police Killing Sparks Nationwide Protests
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A series of anti-government protests in Indonesia has intensified following the death of a motorcycle ride-sharing driver who was reportedly hit by a police vehicle, Reuters reported. The incident, which has been widely condemned, has become a major test for President Prabowo Subianto’s year-old government.

The protests were initially sparked by public outrage over a new monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,075) for lawmakers—an amount that is nearly 10 times the Jakarta minimum wage. However, the movement gained momentum after a video circulated online showing the death of Affan Kurniawan, the motorcycle driver, who was struck by a police armored car during a protest on Thursday.

Since the incident, demonstrations have spread beyond the capital, Jakarta, to other cities, including Bandung, Surabaya, and Makassar. Protesters, comprised of students and fellow ride-sharing drivers, have clashed with police, throwing rocks and other objects. In response, security forces have used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds, and the military has been deployed to assist in some areas.

President Subianto has publicly ordered a “thorough and transparent investigation” into Kurniawan’s death and has pledged to support his family. Authorities have detained seven police officers for questioning in connection with the incident.

The unrest, fueled by a combination of economic frustrations and political grievances, has also had a noticeable impact on Indonesia’s economy. The rupiah has weakened against the U.S. dollar, and the stock index has fallen. Meanwhile, daily life has been disrupted in the capital, with schools closing early and many businesses asking employees to work from home to avoid the chaos.