JAKARTA, Indonesia – Student leaders in Jakarta vowed to continue demonstrations Friday after a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver was killed when a police vehicle ran him over during a protest outside parliament.
The unrest, which began earlier in the week, has been fueled by rising prices, joblessness, and frustration over lawmakers’ housing perks. On Thursday, riot police escalated clashes by deploying tear gas and driving armored vehicles into crowds as protesters hurled rocks and firecrackers.
Affan Kurniawan, a Gojek driver not involved in the protest, was struck and fatally run over by a police tactical vehicle. The incident, captured on video, sparked public outrage and calls for accountability. Hashtags condemning police brutality trended online as motorcycle convoys formed to honor Kurniawan, who was buried Friday morning.
Authorities confirmed seven officers have been detained. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung urged restraint, while President Prabowo Subianto said he was “shocked and disappointed by the excessive actions” and ordered an investigation.
Student groups pledged further protests, demanding justice for Kurniawan and systemic reforms to end police violence.