Tens of thousands of Indonesians, including students and workers, have taken to the streets in Jakarta and other cities to demand better wages, lower taxes, and the removal of allowances for politicians.
The protests turned deadly on Thursday when an armored police vehicle hit and killed Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver working for ride-sharing services Gojek and Grab. Kurniawan’s death sparked widespread outrage, with many demanding accountability from the police.
According to eyewitnesses, Kurniawan was not involved in the protests and was simply doing his job when the incident occurred. The police chief, Asep Edi Suheri, has apologized for the incident, stating, “as police chief and on behalf of the entire unit, I would like to express my deepest apologies and condolences.”
President Prabowo Subianto has also called for calm and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. “I am shocked and disappointed by the excessive actions of the officers,” Prabowo said in a video message, adding, “I have ordered a thorough and transparent investigation…and officers involved must be held accountable.”
The protests are not just about the recent incident but also about the broader economic and political frustrations in the country. Abigail Limura, cofounder of the social media platform What Is Up, Indonesia?, said the protests are a “culmination of months of not only economic but also political frustration all over the country.” “We are in the middle of a worsening economy, collapsing job market, where thousands have been laid off.
And instead of compassion, these people are continually met with indifference and even sometimes tone-deaf and insulting responses,” she said.
Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, highlighted the issue of police brutality, saying, “the case of the motorbike taxi driver is just one of so many cases of excessive use of force by police. There are too many cases across Indonesia, including West Papua.” “We are constantly receiving credible reports such as use of firearms, arbitrary arrest and detention, torture and also extrajudicial killing,” he added.
The protests have led to significant disruptions, with major protests staged outside Jakarta’s police headquarters and legislature. There have also been reports of vandalism and cars being set on fire. The government has responded by deploying military personnel to calm the situation.
Kurniawan’s funeral was attended by hundreds of fellow ride-sharing motorcycle drivers, who escorted his body to the burial site in a convoy of two-wheelers through the center of Jakarta.
Ari Potret, a motorcycle driver who attended Kurniawan’s funeral, expressed his disappointment, saying, “This is barbaric.” The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for greater accountability from the police.
The economic impact of the protests is also significant, with the rupiah dropping nearly 1% to its weakest level since August 1, and the stock index falling by 2.3%.
The government is under pressure to address the economic and political grievances of the protesters and to ensure that those responsible for Kurniawan’s death are held accountable.
The recent protests in Jakarta highlight the growing frustration among citizens regarding economic inequality and the need for government accountability.
The killing of the ride-share driver by police has further exacerbated tensions, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation and justice.
The government’s response to the protests will be crucial in determining the future of the country. If the government listens to the people’s demands and takes concrete steps to address their grievances, it may help to diffuse the situation.
However, if the government continues to use force and ignores the people’s concerns, it may lead to further unrest. Ultimately, the government’s response will determine the trajectory of the protests and the future of the country.
The police killing of the ride-share driver is a stark reminder of the need for police reform and greater accountability.
The fact that the police used force against protesters, resulting in the death of an innocent person, raises serious concerns about the police’s commitment to protecting human rights.
The government must take immediate action to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The government’s priority should be to maintain law and order, ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. The protests in Jakarta have turned violent, with protesters hurling bottles, rocks, and flares at police.
The police have a duty to protect themselves and maintain order, and the use of water cannons and tear gas was necessary to disperse the crowd.
While the killing of the ride-share driver is tragic, it is essential to understand the context and the challenges faced by the police in maintaining order during such protests.
The government’s response to the protests should be measured and proportionate, taking into account the need to protect human rights while also maintaining law and order.
The police must be trained to handle such situations effectively, minimizing the risk of harm to both themselves and the protesters.
The government should also engage with the protesters and address their concerns, but this should be done in a way that does not compromise the rule of law or undermine the authority of the police.
Ultimately, the government must strike a balance between maintaining law and order and protecting human rights.
This can be achieved by ensuring that the police are trained to handle protests effectively, while also taking steps to address the underlying grievances that are driving the protests.
By doing so, the government can help to reduce tensions and create a more stable and secure environment for all citizens.