Jakarta, Aug 29 (AP) Tensions escalated in Indonesia's capital on Friday following reports of a delivery rider being allegedly run over by a police armored vehicle during clashes between riot police and students protesting lawmakers' allowances.
Protesters gathered at the police mobile brigade headquarters in central Jakarta early Friday, with some attempting to storm the premises. Police responded by deploying tear gas to disperse the crowd.
An agitated group of protesters set a police post and several cars near the police compound on fire. They also damaged traffic signs and other infrastructure, resulting in a traffic gridlock in the area.
The unrest followed the viral circulation of a video on social media, purportedly capturing the death of the motorcycle taxi driver during Thursday's clashes. The footage shocked the nation and fueled widespread outrage against the security forces.
The victim, identified as 21-year-old Affan Kurniawan, was reportedly in the midst of a food delivery service order when he became entangled in the clashes, which have been ongoing for several days.
Eyewitnesses informed local television that an armored vehicle from the National Police's Mobile Brigade unit suddenly accelerated into a group of demonstrators, striking Kurniawan and causing him to fall. The vehicle did not stop and ran over him.
President Prabowo Subianto addressed the incident in a televised speech, appealing for calm and offering his condolences.
“I am deeply concerned and deeply saddened by this incident,” Subianto stated. “I was shocked and disappointed by the officers' excessive actions.”
The former general added that he is closely monitoring the situation and has called for a thorough investigation. He urged citizens “to remain vigilant against elements that constantly stir up unrest and seek chaos.”
“In a situation like this, I urge all citizens to remain calm and trust in the government I lead, which will do what's best for the people,” Subianto said.
Authorities have confirmed that seven members of the police motor brigade linked to the incident have been detained and are being questioned, though the driver of the armored vehicle has yet to be identified.
On Friday, thousands of motorcycle riders, along with rights activists and politicians, attended Kurniawan's burial to pay their respects. The crowd filled a major traffic circle in the heart of the city and spread into its main thoroughfares.
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