Protests have intensified across Indonesia following the death of a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver who was run over by a police vehicle during clashes on Thursday night.
The Indonesian National Police confirmed that seven members of the Mobile Brigade Corps (Satbrimob) had been found in breach of the police professional code of ethics over their role in the incident. Inspector General Abdul Karim, head of the National Police’s Propam Division, said the officers have been suspended until 17 September while investigations continue.
The killing has triggered nationwide anger, with thousands of motorcycle drivers joining demonstrations on Friday. Protesters accuse the government and security forces of excessive violence, pointing to weeks of unrest linked to economic hardship and anger over parliamentary housing allowances worth 50 million rupiah (£2,254), ten times Jakarta’s minimum wage.
In recent months, demonstrations have featured unusual symbols, including the black flag from the anime One Piece, which protesters have adopted as a sign of resistance after President Prabowo Subianto encouraged citizens to fly Indonesia’s flag.
Tensions escalated last Monday in Jakarta when police used smoke bombs and water cannons against crowds, but the death of the ride-share driver has acted as a catalyst for a broader outpouring of discontent.
President Prabowo has apologised for the incident, describing himself as “shocked and disappointed by the excessive actions of the officers”. He asked the public to trust the government and pledged to listen to grievances, though anger on the streets remains high.
Despite the apologies, protesters say the driver’s death highlights a deeper problem of police violence and unaccountability. With further demonstrations planned, authorities fear the unrest could escalate further.