Indonesia Erupts in Nationwide Protests Over Lawmakers’ Excessive Allowances and Death of Delivery Rider During Clashes

Nationwide demonstrations escalated in multiple cities on Friday, as tensions rose following an alleged hit-and-run incident involving a police armored vehicle and a delivery rider during clashes between riot police and student protesters.

Protesters converged on the headquarters of the police mobile brigade in Jakarta, with some attempting to breach the compound. Law enforcement responded by deploying water cannons and firing tear gas to repel the demonstrators, who retaliated by hurling bottles, rocks, and flares.

A separate group of rioters set fire to a five-story building near the police compound in Kwitang neighborhood, trapping several individuals inside. Some students paused their protests to aid soldiers and residents in rescuing those trapped.

Further acts of vandalism included the destruction of traffic signs and infrastructure, causing gridlock in the area.

Clashes between rock-throwing protesters and riot police also erupted in other major cities across the country, including Surabaya, Solo, Yogyakarta, Medan, Makassar, Manado, Bandung, and Manokwari in Papua region.

The unrest was triggered by a viral video on social media showing the death of a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver during Thursday’s clashes. The victim, identified as Affan Kurniawan, was reportedly delivering food when he was caught in the chaos following several days of violent protests.

Witnesses told local television that an armored car from the National Police’s Mobile Brigade unit drove through the crowd and struck Kurniawan, causing him to fall. Instead of stopping, the vehicle ran over him.

Thousands attended Kurniawan’s funeral on Friday, filling a central traffic circle and blocking major thoroughfares. President Prabowo Subianto delivered a televised address expressing sympathy for the incident and voicing disappointment over the excessive actions of security forces.

Subianto pledged to launch a comprehensive investigation into the matter and cautioned citizens against elements seeking to instigate unrest. He urged calm and expressed faith in his administration’s commitment to prioritize the well-being of the people.

Authorities have detained seven members of the police mobile brigade linked to the incident, but the driver of the armored vehicle remains unidentified.

The protests began nationwide on Monday following disclosures that all 580 lawmakers received a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,075) in addition to their salaries. Critics argue this new allowance is not only excessive but also insensitive given the current economic challenges faced by most citizens, including high living costs, taxes, and rising unemployment.