JAKARTA (Jakarta Post/ANN): The death of an online motorcycle taxi (ojol) driver during Thursday’s protests in Jakarta has ignited a firestorm of public indignation, with social media erupting in outrage over heavy-handed policing and even larger crowds taking to the streets on Friday.
What began as demonstrations over wage demands has now transformed into a broader outcry against police brutality, with mounting calls for police reform and stronger protection of civic rights.
Shock and fury rippled across the country on Thursday evening as a video surfaced showing an ojol driver falling during the Jakarta protest and being run over by an armored tactical vehicle belonging to the National Police’s Mobile Brigade (Brimob).
The victim, identified as 21-year-old Affan Kurniawan, was reportedly completing a food delivery service order in Bendungan Hilir, Central Jakarta, when he was caught in the aftermath of the labor protests.
Earlier that day, thousands of workers and activists flooded the streets of Central Jakarta to demand better wages and protection, voicing growing frustration over a recent budget hike for members of the House of Representatives.
As evening approached, police sought to disperse the crowds with tear gas, prompting some protesters to hurl stones in retaliation. Soon after, a Brimob armored vehicle reportedly sped through demonstrators on Jl. Penjernihan I, Bendungan Hilir, striking two ojol drivers.
Footage widely shared online shows Affan attempting to flee before tripping and being struck.
The Brimob vehicle, which did not appear to slow down, briefly halted after hitting him but then lurched forward over his body as protesters rushed toward the scene.
Public fury swelled both online and in the streets, with massive protests erupting again in front of the Jakarta Police’s Mobile Brigade headquarters in Kwitang, Central Jakarta, on Friday, joined by groups of ojol drivers demanding justice.
The Commission for Mission Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) condemned what it called “police brutality”, accusing officers of excessive, indiscriminate and reckless use of force.
“KontraS urges independent oversight institutions, such as the National Commission on Human Rights and the National Police Commission to investigate these violations, and calls on the National Police to end all forms of violence and human rights abuses against civilians,” their statement published on Thursday read.
National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo expressed regret over the incident and pledged firm action against the officers involved.
“We extend our deepest apologies to the victim, his family and the wider ojol community. I have instructed Propam [the Police’s Internal Affairs Division] to carry out further measures regarding those implicated,” Listyo said. - JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
