Mass protests have broken out across Indonesia following the death of a ride-sharing driver, Affan Kurniawan, who was killed by a police vehicle on Thursday night. Kurniawan, only 21 years old, was reportedly participating in protests against housing perks for politicians and rising living costs when the tragedy occurred.
On Friday, police clashed with protesters in major cities including Jakarta and Surabaya, deploying tear gas and water cannons as demonstrators retaliated with Molotov cocktails and fireworks. The unrest is seen as a significant challenge for President Prabowo Subianto, whose administration faces rising frustrations over unemployment, low wages, and high taxes.
At Kurniawan's funeral on Friday, which attracted hundreds of mourners, politicians and police officials expressed their condolences and called for a thorough investigation into his death. President Subianto apologized to Kurniawan's family, stating he was shocked and disappointed by the incident.
The protests, ignited by Kurniawan's death, have morphed into a broader movement against government allowances for lawmakers, which protesters argue is unjust considering the minimum wage struggles many face. Calls for better wages, lower taxes, and stronger anti-corruption measures continue to resonate deeply among the Indonesian populace.
