3 weeks ago
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Bali/Jakarta: Indonesian police in an armoured vehicle have been filmed driving over a young motorcycle taxi driver – who died from his injuries – during protests outside government buildings in Jakarta, prompting an apology from the top brass and the detainment of seven police officers.
The confronting vision from Thursday night shows the vehicle speeding down a street with its lights and sirens blaring before hitting Affan Kurniawan, 21, while he appeared to be trying to scramble out of the way.
The driver stopped with Affan lying at the front axle, but as shocked onlookers rushed the vehicle, it continued forward, crushing the young man under at least one set of wheels. It then drove off down the street.
Affan was ushered away, but he could not be saved. It was unclear if he was participating in the protests or working. Local media reported he was delivering food to an address near the parliament building and stumbled as the police vehicle rushed towards him.
Young Indonesians are growing increasingly disenfranchised with their political leaders, and Affan’s death triggered fresh protests on Friday, with police responding with tear gas. More protests are expected at the weekend or next week.
Thousands of people, including union members, students and drivers, had turned up on Thursday at the parliament complex for a second demonstration this week. Police met them with tear gas and water cannons. By late afternoon, clashes had spread to a nearby shopping district, where protesters hurled sharpened bamboo sticks and rocks at the police.
People scatter in Jakarta on Friday as police fire tear gas during a protest over the death of a man struck by a police vehicle. Credit: AP
Many people in Indonesia are feeling the pressure of layoffs, the cost of living and budget cuts. The protests this week have focused on efforts to raise the minimum wage and also politicians’ decision to award themselves a monthly housing allowance of about $5000 a month, which is nearly 10 times the minimum monthly wage in Jakarta.
Protests have also erupted in various parts of the archipelago over large increases to land taxes, which local governments say are necessary because of federal budget cuts. The biggest increase, of 1000 per cent for Cirebon in West Java, was soon shelved.
Furious motorcycle taxi drivers escorted Affan’s body to his funeral on Friday, which was attended by Anies Baswedan, a high-profile candidate in last year’s presidential elections.
When one politician at the funeral told the crowd that “police would investigate it thoroughly”, the drivers responded by yelling, “it’s a lie” and “police are dogs”.
Affan’s mother and brother fainted as his body was lowered into the ground.
Protesters clash with riot police during a protest against lavish allowances for politicians in Jakarta on Thursday.Credit: AP
Jakarta Police chief Asep Edi Suheri attended the funeral and was pelted with water bottles and chants of “murderer” from motorcycle taxi drivers as he made his way back to his car, Indonesian news site Tempo reported. One driver told this masthead he threw his sandals at the police chief.
“Last night, I and the national police chief have met with the victim’s father, Mr Zulkifli, and we have extended our deep condolences over the incident. Whatever happens, he is our brother,” Detik reported Asep as saying earlier.
“I extend my apology, we will fix it ... as the chief of the Jakarta Police I extend apology to the people of Jakarta, I hope we can manage [the case] well.”
A protester throws rock at riot police in Jakarta on Thursday.Credit: AP
He also said seven police officers from the highly trained Mobile Brigade Corps had been detained as part of the investigation into the incident.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto issued a press release on Friday expressing his “deep disappointment over the excessive actions of the authorities”.
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“I have ordered that last night’s incident be thoroughly and transparently investigated, and that the officers involved be held accountable,” he said, adding that Indonesians needed to “remain calm and trust the government’s actions”.
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