Jakarta: Tens of thousands of Indonesians took to the streets of Jakarta on Thursday in protests against rising living costs, government austerity measures, and controversial allowances for lawmakers. The demonstrations turned violent when a 21-year-old online motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan, was killed after being struck by a police Barracuda tactical vehicle near the parliament building.
The incident has intensified public anger, leading to widespread calls for accountability and an immediate review of law enforcement conduct. Protesters also criticized President Prabowo Subianto's austerity policies, which include budget cuts for civil services and mass layoffs, contributing to rising unemployment and economic hardship.
The revelation that members of the House of Representatives have been receiving a housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (\$3,075) per month since September 2024 further fueled public outrage.
In response to the fatality, President Subianto expressed condolences and ordered a transparent investigation. Jakarta police chief apologized publicly and confirmed the arrest of seven officers involved in the incident. Human rights organizations have condemned the use of excessive force and called for broader reforms to prevent future incidents.
The protests have spread to other cities, including Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and Medan, with solidarity demonstrations taking place internationally in Australia, Germany, and the United States. The unrest has led to early school dismissals, remote work directives, and deployment of military personnel in certain areas. The Indonesian rupiah fell sharply, and the stock market experienced notable losses amid the unrest.
Student groups and labor unions have pledged to continue protests until their demands are addressed, including the repeal of controversial lawmakers’ allowances, an increase in the minimum wage, and the restoration of workers’ rights. The government's response in the coming days will play a critical role in shaping Indonesia's political and social climate.