Indonesian Protests Erupt After Death of Delivery Driver

Sun Oct 19 2025 23:56:09 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The shocking killing of a young motorcycle rideshare driver during protests against government corruption has ignited widespread demonstrations across Indonesia, revealing deep-seated frustrations regarding social inequality and political accountability.

Following the death of 21-year-old Affan Kurniawan at a protest in Jakarta, anger has erupted through Indonesia, with mass demonstrations decrying government corruption and excessive political perks amidst a deepening cost-of-living crisis. The protests have resulted in violence, with multiple fatalities and extensive property damage. President Prabowo Subianto has promised to cut certain political perks, but calls for deeper reforms persist amidst concerns over police brutality and governance failures.

Protesters have been killed, buildings torched and politicians' houses looted as anti-government unrest spreads across Indonesia - and the authorities respond with force.

Mass demonstrations, fueled by cost-of-living woes and public frustration with the political elite, first erupted in Jakarta on 25 August to condemn what many viewed as excessive pay and housing allowances for parliamentarians.

By the end of the week, events turned violent. On Thursday night, following escalating clashes, police ran over and killed 21-year-old rideshare driver Affan Kurniawan.

President Prabowo Subianto and the chief of police apologized for his death, but it only fueled further discontent that has spread throughout the archipelago, with at least seven reported fatalities by that following Monday.

The primary trigger for the protests was the government’s decision to raise allowances for parliamentarians, with reports indicating they were earning upwards of 100 million rupiah (£4,499; $6,150) a month, far exceeding the average national income.

Dr. Eve Warburton noted that as the government adopts austerity measures, the increase in political pay only intensified public rage leading to escalating protests that have included issues of police brutality and systemic political corruption.

As violence escalates, President Prabowo has announced cuts to certain perks for politicians but faces criticism for inadequate responses to the core issues of inequality. Tensions remain high as riot police prepare for further clashes amidst a growing call for substantial political reform.

Experts caution that the path ahead is uncertain, with the substantial economic grievances and demands for deeper systemic changes still unresolved. The situation represents President Prabowo's most significant test of leadership since taking office and poses critical questions about governance in Indonesia's future.