Hundreds of Indonesians have gathered at locations across Jakarta to demonstrate following the death of a man struck by a law enforcement vehicle, marking the first major challenge for Prabowo Subianto’s administration, which took office nearly a year ago.
The victim, a motorcycle ride-hailing driver, was hit during clashes near parliament on Thursday as authorities attempted to break up crowds protesting issues such as legislators' salaries and funding for schools.
The demonstrations on Friday in the capital of Southeast Asia's largest economy led several schools to send students home early, while banks and companies advised staff to avoid offices. Local media footage showed military personnel stationed in certain areas.
Drivers, students, and residents from various backgrounds assembled outside government buildings in Jakarta, hurling stones at gates and shouting, "Killer. Killer."
Among the protesters was Pendi Nasir, a 43-year-old motorcycle driver, who called for a fair inquiry into the death of the driver, Affan Kurniawan. "We don’t want others here to suffer the same fate," he said, demanding accountability.
Comedian Aci Resti joined the rally at parliament to oppose housing benefits for lawmakers. "I’m here to speak for those who are tired—tired of the representatives, tired of the officials," she stated.
Demonstrators remained defiant despite President Prabowo’s appeal for restraint, his expression of sympathy for Kurniawan's family, and his assurance of a comprehensive investigation.
"I am troubled by the excessive measures taken by the officers," Prabowo said in a statement. "I have instructed that the inquiry be transparent ... and those responsible must face consequences."
Groups of drivers, identifiable by their green jackets, also rallied in cities such as Surabaya, Bandung, and Gorontalo.
Amid the tension, the rupiah fell 0.9% against the US dollar, closing at 16,495. The stock index dropped as much as 2.3%, reaching its lowest level since mid-August before ending 1.5% lower after a partial recovery.
"If Prabowo mishandles this ... the situation could escalate," said Made Supriatma, a researcher at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.
As Thursday’s protests extended into the evening, local outlets reported that officers used teargas and water jets to scatter crowds.
Jakarta’s police chief, Asep Edi Suheri, confirmed that an armored law enforcement vehicle struck and killed Kurniawan, who worked for ride-hailing platforms Gojek and Grab. He apologized to the victim’s family.
A group representing motorcycle drivers stated that Kurniawan was not part of the demonstrations.
By Friday afternoon, officers had reinforced security around key sites.
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