Jakarta. The family of a ride-hailing driver who was recently crushed by a police vehicle has demanded justice, according to the police’s oversight body Kompolnas.

On Thursday night, the massive protests in Jakarta had turned violent. The police’s tactical vehicle ran over an online bike taxi driver who was reportedly delivering food in the area. The victim -- 21-year-old Affan Kurniawan -- was immediately rushed to the Mangunkusumo Hospital in Jakarta, but lost his life. Choirul Anam, a commissioner at Kompolnas, visited the hospital on Friday early morning to meet Affan’s family.

“They [the family] said that they wish to have the highest possible level of justice,” Anam said. “This incident should teach the police a lesson to hold back their emotions and refrain from violence. We also call on the people to deliver their aspirations peacefully.”

Ride-hailing app Gojek has confirmed that Affan was one of its drivers and plans to provide assistance to his family. Affan also worked at Gojek’s competitor Grab. It is common for drivers to register for more than one app in Indonesia. 

According to local media reports, the police’s vehicle had run over another Grab driver that day. The other victim, Moh Umar Amarudin, survived but broke his leg. Umar is currently receiving medical treatment in Jakarta’s Pelni Hospital. Grab had also confirmed Umar’s injury and status as one of its drivers.

National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo had apologized for the incident. The police are currently investigating the seven mobile brigade corps officers who were in the vehicle. However, they have yet to pinpoint which of the officers was driving the vehicle that night. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said that the government had asked the police to remain patient following the tragedy.

“We have requested [the police] to pay special attention to this incident [Affan getting hit by a police vehicle],” Prasetyo said.

Affan’s death has sparked another wave of protests from fellow ride-hailing drivers. The government has cancelled events in light of the incident. The Finance Ministry was supposed to hold its monthly briefing on the state budget on Friday morning, but decided to postpone it to next week. 

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