Jakarta. Protests triggered by the death of a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver struck by a police armored vehicle have spread from Jakarta to cities across Indonesia, escalating into some of the most intense demonstrations the country has seen in years.

The unrest began after Affan Kurniawan, a ride-hailing driver, was fatally run over during clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Central Jakarta on Thursday. His death, captured on video and widely shared online, has fueled public anger over police conduct and longstanding frustrations with lawmakers’ perks and accountability amid economic hardships.

On Friday afternoon, hundreds of university students forced open the gates of the Metro Jaya Police headquarters in South Jakarta, chanting “Long live the students!” while waving flags and banners. Traffic along Jalan Jenderal Sudirman ground to a halt as protesters occupied the road. By evening, tear gas filled the air as riot police tried to disperse the crowd.

In Central Jakarta, protesters targeted the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) headquarters, hurling rocks and firecrackers at the gates. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons. At least one demonstrator was hospitalized with head injuries, while others fainted from gas exposure. A building was briefly set on fire before being extinguished.

Shops and malls near the protest sites, including the Atrium Senen shopping center, shuttered early over safety concerns. “Everyone closed their stores today because of the unrest,” said Iqbal, a security guard at a Kwitang retail complex.

The unrest soon spiraled into looting. Crowds stormed nearby shop-houses about 200 meters from the Brimob complex, carrying off office equipment and electronics, including monitors, water dispensers, bicycles, teakwood tables, and waiting room chairs.

The protests quickly rippled beyond the capital. In Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest city, crowds stormed the governor’s office compound, destroying fences, torching motorcycles, and pelting police with stones. Security forces fired tear gas and deployed water cannons, but demonstrators retaliated with fireworks and wooden clubs.

In Malang, East Java, hundreds of ride-hailing drivers and students rallied, demanding the resignation of National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo. Protesters invoked memories of the 2022 Kanjuruhan Stadium disaster, when 135 people were killed after police fired tear gas during a football match. “If the police chief has honor, he should step down,” said one protester.

Solidarity actions were also reported in Yogyakarta, Bengkulu, Pekanbaru, and other provincial capitals. In Yogyakarta, protesters grouped under the banner Jogja Memanggil (Jogja Calls) called for sweeping police reform, asset seizure from corrupt officials, and the repeal of new property tax hikes. In Bengkulu, demonstrators clashed with police outside the regional parliament, setting tires ablaze and damaging the building’s gates.

In Riau province, tensions eased after the local police chief, Inspector General Hery Heryawan, personally addressed the crowd. He offered condolences and an apology for Kurniawan’s death, urging protesters to remain peaceful.

The national police force has struggled to contain the backlash. Early Friday, the internal affairs division (Propam), confirmed that seven Mobile Brigade members were being questioned in connection with the incident, though the driver of the armored vehicle has not yet been identified. National Police Chief Listyo Sigit has apologized directly to Kurniawan’s family and pledged a full investigation.

President Prabowo Subianto, who took office just months ago, has urged the public to remain calm and warned of “elements who want chaos.” He promised that the government would support the victim’s family and ensure accountability.

Parliament Speaker Puan Maharani also issued a rare apology, acknowledging that lawmakers had “not fully carried out their duties” and pledging to better heed public aspirations.

But for many demonstrators, apologies have not been enough. Protesters’ demands now range from justice for Kurniawan’s death to sweeping police reforms and cuts to lawmakers’ salaries and allowances.

As of late Friday, clashes continued outside key government and police facilities, with tear gas lingering in the air and protesters refusing to disperse. The unrest has disrupted business districts, forced mall closures, and raised concerns about Indonesia’s stability as it faces economic pressures.

For Kurniawan’s colleagues in the ride-hailing community, his death has become a rallying cry. In Malang, demonstrators lit candles and held prayers not only for him, but also for victims of past police violence. “This is the time for civilians to stand up,” said Fauzi, a protester. “We are tired of brutality and impunity.”

The protests show no signs of abating, with student groups in Yogyakarta and other cities calling for a coordinated nationwide action on September 1.

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