Indonesia protests escalate after police kill motorcycle taxi driver

Indonesia is currently experiencing intense protests, particularly in Jakarta, following the tragic death of a motorcycle taxi driver named Affan Kurniawan. On August 28, 2025, Kurniawan, a 21-year-old delivery rider, was allegedly run over by a police armored vehicle during violent clashes between riot police and students at a demonstration outside the House of Representatives. The incident ignited a wave of outrage, leading thousands of motorcycle riders, rights activists, and political figures to pay their respects during Kurniawan’s funeral, further escalating public discontent against the authorities. Protests erupted across multiple cities, including Surabaya, Solo, Yogyakarta, Medan, Makassar, Manado, Bandung, and even as far as Papua. Demonstrators have been demanding accountability for police actions following the shocking event that was captured on social media, showing Kurniawan being struck by the armored car during the chaos. The protests are not just about this incident; they stem from broader issues related to police violence, economic hardship, and the controversial allowances given to lawmakers, which many perceive as excessive in the current economic climate. As tensions mounted, police forces responded with tear gas and water cannons against the demonstrators who retaliated by throwing objects and lighting fires in protest. This violent exchange has highlighted the growing unrest in the nation, with demonstrators also calling for better wages and an end to outsourcing practices that lead to insecurity and low pay for workers. In light of the protests, Indonesia's benchmark stock index dropped significantly, and the rupiah faced weakening against the U.S. dollar amid fears of capital flight due to the ongoing unrest. President Prabowo Subianto addressed the nation, expressing his condolences and calling for calm while ensuring that a thorough investigation into the incident would take place, assuring the public that accountability would be pursued. The call for justice for Affan Kurniawan resonates deeply in a country that is grappling with economic challenges and rising costs of living. As political and social tensions rise, many are closely monitoring the government's response to these protests and whether they will lead to lasting changes in how law enforcement interacts with civilians, particularly in the context of ongoing economic struggles faced by many citizens.