Protests in Indonesia raise controversy following a fatal incident where a police vehicle collided with a delivery rider, sparking public outrage.
In the heart of Indonesia, protests against police violence have gained momentum, spreading from the capital Jakarta to cities such as Bandung in West Java and Surakarta in Central Java. The protests were sparked by a tragic incident that occurred on Thursday night, claiming the life of 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan.
Affan was fatally struck by an armored police vehicle during demonstrations in Jakarta. The incident, which has since been captured on amateur videos circulating online, has led to an outpouring of anger and demand for justice from fellow drivers and thousands of Indonesians who protested outside police headquarters in Jakarta on Friday.
President Prabowo Subianto, who condemned the Friday night incident, has ordered a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident. In a statement, he announced, "We must ensure a comprehensive and transparent investigation to bring those responsible to justice."
Indonesia's national police chief, Listyo Sigit Prabowo, issued a public apology and promised an investigation after the incident. He also vowed to conduct a thorough investigation following his apology, stating, "We will leave no stone unturned in our quest for the truth."
The investigation is currently underway, with at least seven officers who were in the armored vehicle during the incident named as suspects. The coalition of 211 civil society organizations has called for an end to police violence in Indonesia, citing at least 55 deaths due to police violence between July 2024 and June 2025.
Fellow drivers of Affan Kurniawan have continued to stage rallies demanding justice for the victim. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, as demonstrations have spread to other Indonesian cities, demonstrating a widespread call for change.
President Prabowo Subianto has reiterated his commitment to addressing the issue, stating, "We must work together to ensure the safety and well-being of all our citizens, and that includes ending police violence."
As the investigation continues, the Indonesian people remain hopeful for a just resolution and a future free from police violence. The events of the past few days serve as a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure the safety and security of all citizens in Indonesia.
