Indonesia's Unrest: Protests Erupt Following Delivery Driver's Death

Wed Oct 22 2025 11:14:04 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a reaction to rising costs of living and social inequalities, thousands of Indonesians have taken to the streets following the police-related death of a motorcycle rideshare driver. The protests challenge government corruption and privilege, marking a significant moment for President Prabowo Subianto.

Mass protests against the Indonesian government have escalated following the fatal incident involving a 21-year-old rideshare driver. Triggered by frustrations over economic conditions and perceived governmental corruption, these protests are now spreading across the archipelago, leading to violent clashes and a crackdown by authorities. The situation poses a serious challenge to President Prabowo Subianto as he seeks to address public grievances while managing unrest.

Protesters have been killed, buildings torched, and politicians' houses looted as anti-government unrest spreads across Indonesia - and the authorities respond with force.

Mass demonstrations, fuelled by cost-of-living woes and public frustration with the political elite, first erupted in Jakarta on 25 August to condemn what many viewed as excessive pay and housing allowances for parliamentarians.

By the end of the week, things had boiled over into violence. On Thursday night, after escalating clashes between demonstrators and authorities, police in Jakarta ran over and killed 21-year-old motorcycle rideshare driver Affan Kurniawan.

President Prabowo Subianto and the chief of police apologised for his death - but it only fueled further discontent, which is now spreading across various parts of the archipelago, from West Java to the islands of Bali and Lombok. At least seven people have died in the protests.

The primary trigger for the protests was the Indonesian government's decision to raise the allowance for national parliamentarians. Local media previously reported that politicians receive upwards of 100 million rupiah (£4,499; $6,150) a month, significantly outpacing the average national income, including substantial housing allowances. Meanwhile, everyday Indonesians struggle with the cost-of-living crisis.

Political analysts point out that people's anger isn't solely about allowances for politicians; rather, it also encompasses broader issues of police brutality, systemic corruption, social inequality, and lack of accountability.

In response to the unrest, the president announced on Sunday that several state-funded perks would be reduced, but many voices in the protest movement argue for deeper reforms addressing fundamental issues affecting citizens.

Simultaneously, Prabowo ordered law enforcement to increase their crackdown on rioters and looters. Buildings and homes were attacked throughout the country, including a regional legislative building in Makassar, which was set ablaze, resulting in fatalities.

The continued unrest is an urgent test for President Prabowo, who must navigate public discontent while balancing security measures that some fear have resulted in excessive force and violations of human rights.

As protests spread, the future direction remains uncertain. Will the government's response lead to significant systemic change, or will it escalate further into violence? The actions of President Prabowo will be crucial in determining the path forward.