Jakarta. The Indonesian government has agreed to meet several key demands raised by labor groups during Thursday’s protests in Jakarta, which were marred by clashes with police and damage to public facilities.

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi announced that President Prabowo Subianto has approved the creation of a Task Force on Employment Terminations and a Labor Welfare Council. “The president has agreed to these two measures, and they will be followed up on,” Prasetyo said at the Presidential Palace.

He added that both institutions are deemed crucial to addressing the challenges faced by workers. However, he did not confirm whether the government would meet union demands for an 8.5-10.5 percent increase in the minimum wage next year, proposed by the Labor Party and the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI).

Thursday’s rally outside parliament marked the second mass protest this week. On Monday, thousands of demonstrators -- including students -- also gathered to oppose a parliamentary pay and benefits hike. Both protests ended in unrest, prompting police to use tear gas and water cannons. Dozens were detained, though most were later released.

Authorities reported further acts of vandalism on Thursday, including damage to CCTV cameras near Palmerah Station and barricades around the parliament complex. Commuter train services at Palmerah and Tanah Abang stations were again suspended, and the toll road in front of parliament was closed.

Jakarta police spokesman Ade Ary said the unrest was driven by a splinter group separate from the labor demonstrators. “They engaged in anarchist acts such as burning flags, damaging parliament’s gates and CCTV, and invading the toll road,” he said, adding that 276 high school students had also been detained after being incited via social media, some carrying arrows and bottles to throw at officers.

In a separate incident, a motorcycle taxi driver working for Gojek was reportedly struck by a police armored vehicle during efforts to disperse crowds in Central Jakarta’s Bendungan Hilir area. Unconfirmed reports said the driver was killed, and images of the incident quickly spread online.

National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo ordered an immediate investigation and assistance for the victim’s family. “I deeply regret this incident and extend my condolences to the victim’s family and all online drivers,” he said.

Add as a preferred source on Google +