Jakarta Protests Erupt After Driver's Death, Prompting Calls for Justice and Economic Concerns

On August 29, 2025, a protest against the police took place in front of the Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Regional Police headquarters in Jakarta. The demonstrations were sparked by the death of a motorcycle ride-sharing driver during violent clashes near parliament the previous Thursday. The driver was caught in the unrest as police attempted to disperse protesters.

The protests on Friday afternoon led to several schools in the capital releasing students early, while banks and businesses instructed employees to work remotely. Visuals from local media showed the military being deployed in certain areas. Protesters, including drivers, students, and individuals from various backgrounds, gathered at the House of Representatives building and the police headquarters in Jakarta. They threw rocks and chanted slogans.

Drivers, identifiable by their green jackets, also organized protests in other cities, such as Bandung, Surabaya, and Gorontalo. As night fell, heavy rain in Jakarta dispersed some protesters from the police headquarters, although a few remained, maintaining a fire and singing patriotic songs. Police used tear gas against protesters attempting to enter the headquarters.

Reports indicated that protesters set fire to a house belonging to the People's Consultative Assembly legislative wing in Bandung, and a police post was also reportedly set ablaze in Makassar city. Motorcycle driver Pendi Nasir, who participated in the Jakarta protest, demanded a transparent investigation into the death of Affan Kurniawan. Stand-up comedian Aci Resti also joined the protest at the parliament, expressing dissatisfaction with a housing allowance for lawmakers.

President Prabowo, in a video message, expressed shock and disappointment over the actions of the officers and ordered a thorough investigation. The unrest has negatively impacted investor confidence in Indonesia's economy. The rupiah weakened, and the stock index experienced a significant decline.

President Prabowo visited the family of the deceased motorcycle driver to offer condolences. Earlier, thousands of drivers gathered near the police mobile brigade headquarters in Central Jakarta, demanding accountability for Affan's death. Police used tear gas to disperse the protesters. One protester, Muzakir, expressed concern over the death of his fellow driver and demanded justice.