Tensions soar across Indonesia as protests against police erupt in multiple cities

The unrest came after a video on social media apparently showing the death of the motorcycle taxi driver during Thursday’s clashes shocked the nation and spurred an outcry against the security forces.

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Witnesses told local television that the armored car from the National Police’s Mobile Brigade unit suddenly sped through the crowd of demonstrators and hit Kurniawan, causing him to fall. Instead of stopping, the car ran over him.

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Prabowo Criticizes Police as Protest Death Fuels Jakarta Unrest

The protests – initially over increased allowances for lawmakers at a time of economic uncertainty for many Indonesians – were fueled by anger over the death of a motorcycle taxi driver struck by an armored vehicle during clashes on Thursday evening. They’ve mostly been concentrated in Jakarta although there have been rallies across the country.

Prabowo urged calm and singled out the police as he sought to defuse the demonstrations, which represent the biggest test of his presidency and have unnerved investors. The rupiah and Indonesian stocks fell in Friday trade.

The president’s term has been marked by periods of unrest since he took office in October, as Prabowo struggles to deliver on his sweeping promises to improve the lives of Indonesian people. In February, students and civil society groups protested his state budget revamp that threatened contract workers’ jobs, rolled back scholarships and even dimmed the lights at government offices.

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Prabowo is due to travel to China to join other leaders at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. That gathering starts on Sunday.

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The unrest has heightened concerns about Prabowo’s ability to manage dissent. Rights groups have warned he needs to make sure those responsible for the fatality at the protest site are held accountable. Police have apologized and are investigating the seven officers who were inside the vehicle that hit the taxi driver.

Puan visits Affan’s family, apologizes and promises to evaluate DPR performance

As a form of attention, Puan handed over compensation assistance to Affan’s family, including providing educational support for Affan’s brothers who are still in school, and promised to replace Affan’s vehicle that has not been found.

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