Mass protests have erupted across Indonesia after 21-year-old ride-sharing driver Affan Kurniawan was killed by a police vehicle during a demonstration. Clashes have left at least three dead and several injured, including in Makassar, where the regional parliament was set on fire, BBC reported.
Protesters, many from Kurniawan’s employer Gojek, demand justice, higher wages, lower taxes, and stronger anti-corruption measures. Frustration over lawmakers’ new allowance, nearly 10 times Jakarta’s minimum wage, has fueled unrest.
President Prabowo Subianto, Jakarta officials, and police have expressed condolences and issued apologies. Seven police officers were found to have violated professional ethics. Despite this, demonstrations continued, with some protesters blocking police convoys and throwing projectiles, according to BBC.
Thousands attended Kurniawan’s funeral, highlighting the human cost of the tragedy. Gojek pledged support to his family, calling his death a profound loss.