Mass demonstrations broke out across Jakarta and several major cities on Friday (August 29, 2025), as thousands of university students, drivers, and civil society groups demanded justice for Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old online motorcycle taxi driver who was killed after reportedly being run over by a Brimob tactical vehicle during protests in Tanah Abang a day earlier.
Escalating Clashes in Jakarta
In Central Jakarta, tensions flared in front of the Brimob headquarters in Kwitang when protesters set off firecrackers and hurled objects at security forces. Police responded with tear gas, pushing demonstrators toward Tugu Tani and Simpang Senen. A police vehicle was damaged during the clashes.
Meanwhile, in front of Polda Metro Jaya, protesters dressed in black staged a symbolic flower-laying ceremony for Affan. Although initially peaceful, the crowd grew larger and later forced open two gates of the police headquarters. Demonstrators also set fires outside the compound, while police responded with repeated rounds of tear gas. By nightfall, skirmishes continued, and several buildings and vehicles were reported burned in the Kwitang area.
At the House of Representatives (DPR RI), thousands rallied at the main gate, carrying posters and national flags. Some tore down parts of the parliament’s metal fence and forced their way into the complex. Inside, marines and Brimob officers formed barricades while tactical vehicles, including water cannons, were deployed. Demonstrators threw bottles, fireworks, and shouted slogans such as “Polisi pembunuh” (“Police are killers”). Traffic around Jalan Gatot Subroto and Sudirman was paralyzed, and MRT access was temporarily closed.
Chaos Spreads to Other Cities
Unrest was not confined to Jakarta. In Surabaya, demonstrators stormed Grahadi State Building, torching at least six police motorcycles and damaging public facilities.
“Inside there were five burned motorcycles, and two more outside, apparently belonging to officers,” said East Java’s head of Bakesbangpol, Eddy Supriyanto, as quoted by Detik.
In Bandung, protesters attacked a state-owned house belonging to the MPR on Jalan Diponegoro, smashing windows and burning tires. In Demak, Central Java, hundreds of students and youth groups besieged the local police headquarters. Ainun Naim, leader of IPNU Demak, said the protest was “a form of solidarity for Affan” and denounced police brutality.
“The incident was purely an ojol driver delivering food who was tragically run over by police. Demonstrations should not be met with repression from those meant to protect us,” Naim told Kompas.
Government Response and Condolences
The demonstrations, initially sparked by outrage over parliamentary perks, have now transformed into a nationwide protest movement calling for sweeping police reform and accountability. Protesters demanded transparent trials for officers responsible for Affan’s death.
Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto expressed his condolences, calling Affan’s death a tragedy.
“I extend my deepest sympathy to the family of the late Affan Kurniawan. Justice must be upheld,” Prabowo said in a brief statement, urging restraint from both protesters and police, as reported by Antara.
Jakarta Police Chief Insp. Gen. Asep Edi Suheri also addressed demonstrators outside Polda Metro Jaya, apologizing over the unrest and pledging a review of security protocols.
“We ask for calm, and we are committed to ensuring accountability,” he said.
A Growing Crisis
As of Friday evening, demonstrations continued at multiple hotspots in Jakarta and across the country. Tear gas, burning vehicles, and mass arrests marked what observers now see as one of the most significant waves of civil unrest in recent years.
Protesters insist they will not stop until justice for Affan is delivered. “Punish the perpetrators transparently and fairly—justice must not be covered up,” said Naim.
Source: Antara, CNN Indonesia, Kompas, TribunNews, Detik
Photo Credit: EPA via BBC
