Indonesia's President Prabowo expresses condolences for Gojek rider killed in protest

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has expressed “deep condolences” after the death of Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver.

Deepest condolences

In a recorded statement released on his social media, Prabowo recounted the incident, naming Affan as the "ojol" (online motor taxi rider) who had been hit by an officer driving an armoured police vehicle.

He offered his deepest condolences on behalf of himself and the government of Indonesia.

He also expressed his concern that the situation had occurred at all and said that Affan’s parents and siblings would be given special attention.

He said that he was shocked and disappointed by “the officer’s excessive actions”, promised the incident would be thoroughly and transparently investigated, and that the officers involved would be held accountable.

The Jakarta Globe reported that seven members of the Mobile Brigade had been detained and questioned in relation to the incident, and they appear to have had their identities revealed.

Fix everything

Prabowo urged the public to remain calm and trust the government, and to remain vigilant as there were always elements who wished for “chaos”.

He said that Indonesia was in the midst of reforms and that it was on its way to overcoming poverty and becoming a developed, independent nation.

He said that citizens should “feel free to express your legitimate aspirations”, promising that the government would fix everything that needed to be fixed.

Protests

Affan’s death has been the only one so far in several days of protests.

Many groups, including students and ride-hailing app workers, such as Affan, have been protesting over a multitude of concerns, such as austerity measures and increased taxes.

But in recent days, it was revealed that parliamentarians had been supplementing their income with a housing measure that provided them up to Rp 50 million for housing in the capital, an order of magnitude more than Jakarta’s minimum wage.

Protesters had gathered outside Indonesia’s parliament complex, calling for its closure.

Protesters and police have also fought street battles, with police using tear gas and water cannons.

But on Aug. 28, police appeared to be chasing off protesters when one, Affan, was struck by an armoured police vehicle while part of a group of protesters that appeared to be running away.

The vehicle initially stopped while protesters gathered around it, but then drove off, running over Affan.

Procession

On Aug. 29, Affan’s funeral procession through Jakarta attracted hundreds of his fellow app drivers, who accompanied his funeral procession, with many appearing to be wearing the green uniforms of their associated app.

Social media posts from riders claiming to be part of the procession used an ironic slogan to pay tribute the fallen rider, saying ""Jangan lindas kami lagi pak!!", or "Please don't run us over again, sir". 

Top image via @AGTBLHKK/X & Prabowo Subianto/Facebook