An Indonesian protester, identified as Affan Kurniawan, was killed on August 28, 2025, after being struck by a police tactical vehicle. This tragic event has become a central focus and a major rallying point for the ongoing demonstrations across Indonesia. The protests, which began on August 25, 2025, were initially sparked by a combination of economic grievances and political discontent, including an insensitive allowance hike for the House of Representatives (DPR) members, a rise in food and education costs, and recent mass layoffs.
The death of Affan Kurniawan has significantly escalated tensions. Protesters are now specifically demanding the resignation of the Chief of the Indonesian National Police and a comprehensive reform of the police force. This incident highlights the volatile nature of the demonstrations, which have seen a mix of peaceful sit-ins and more confrontational methods, including riots and vandalism. The government’s response has included a heavy police presence, leading to thousands of arrests and further clashes.
The widespread unrest is a powerful display of public frustration, with a diverse coalition of students, labor unions, and motorcycle taxi drivers participating. They are united in their call for greater accountability and transparency from the government, particularly in addressing the economic hardships faced by the general population. The protests have even garnered international support, with solidarity demonstrations taking place in Malaysia, Germany, and Australia. The government has made a few concessions, such as suspending five DPR members and agreeing to evaluate the allowance hike, but these actions have not yet been enough to quell the public’s anger.
The protests are also pushing for the passage of the Confiscation of Assets Act, a legal reform aimed at combating corruption. This demand, along with the revocation of the DPR allowance hike, is part of the “17+8 demands” that have been circulating among protest groups. The number of arrests has been staggering, with over 3,400 people detained, and at least two other deaths reported. The government has also deployed the Indonesian military (TNI), including the Indonesian Marine Corps and Quick Reaction Forces Corps, to assist with security, though there is reported tension and blame-shifting between the TNI and the police regarding the violence.
The scale and intensity of these demonstrations reflect deep-seated issues within Indonesian society. The initial triggers, such as the rising cost of living and the perceived indifference of political leaders, have been amplified by the tragic death of a protester. The current situation remains unstable and fluid, with no clear resolution in sight. The ongoing confrontation between a determined protest movement and the government’s security apparatus will likely continue to shape the political landscape of the country in the coming weeks.