Deadly Protests Erupt Across Indonesia After Police Vehicle Hits Gig Driver
JAKARTA, Indonesia – Protests erupted in several major cities across Indonesia on Friday, sparked by widespread outrage after a motorcycle gig driver, Affan Kuniawan, was reportedly run over by a police tactical vehicle during earlier demonstrations over low wages and perceived lavish perks for lawmakers.
In Makassar, the largest city on Sulawesi island, demonstrations spiraled into chaos. Protesters set fire to both the provincial and city council buildings, while vehicles were torched and rocks and Molotov cocktails were hurled.
Three people died in the blaze at the Makassar city council building, according to Rahmat Mappatoba, the council’s secretary. “They were trapped in the burning building,” he said, adding that the protesters had stormed the office to set it on fire.
“This is beyond our prediction,” he said. “Normally, protesters throw rocks or burn tires in front of the office. They never stormed inside or burned the building.”
Two victims were local council staff, and the third was a civil servant. Two died on the scene, while the third succumbed to injuries in the hospital. At least four others were injured and are receiving medical treatment. Authorities have since extinguished the fire.
Footage shared by local media showed crowds cheering as flames engulfed the building, with few security forces visible. One man shouted, “There are people upstairs!” Debris smoldered from the roof while charred vehicles flickered with fire. Protesters also attempted to storm the South Sulawesi provincial council building overnight.
In Jakarta, hundreds gathered outside the headquarters of the elite Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob), a paramilitary police unit blamed for Kuniawan’s death. Protesters threw firecrackers, prompting police to respond with tear gas. Some tried to tear down the gates and remove a sign from the building’s facade. Authorities confirmed seven officers have been detained for questioning in connection with the incident.
The unrest marks the most violent protests since President Prabowo Subianto took office less than a year ago. In response, Prabowo urged calm, ordered a thorough investigation, and visited Kuniawan’s family. “I have ordered last night’s incident to be thoroughly and transparently investigated, and that the officers involved be held accountable,” he said.
Later Friday, Prabowo posted on Instagram, sharing images of him with the driver’s family and stating that the government was “committed to guaranteeing the livelihood” of Kuniawan’s family.
The protests have also spread to other major cities, including Yogyakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, and Medan, highlighting widespread anger over government policies, budget cuts, and rising social tensions.
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