Indonesian students are set to escalate protests in Jakarta following the death of a motorcycle rider, who was struck by a police vehicle during clashes after a demonstration outside the parliament. The incident has amplified calls for accountability regarding police actions and the broader issues being protested, including lawmakers’ salaries and education funding.
Protests Planned in Response to Tragic Incident
Muzammil Ihsan, the head of Indonesia’s largest student union, announced plans for a protest at Jakarta’s police headquarters on March 15, 2024. He indicated that various student organizations are expected to join in, emphasizing the need to address police violence. “We demand justice and accountability for the loss of life,” he stated.
The protests began Thursday as demonstrators gathered to voice their concerns over several issues, including the government’s school meals program and the high salaries of lawmakers. As tensions escalated throughout the evening, reports emerged of riot police employing tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.
According to Asep Edi Suheri, the police chief of Jakarta, an armoured police vehicle struck and killed a motorcycle rideshare driver during the clashes. Local media reported that the deceased was not participating in the protests at the time of the incident, raising further questions about police conduct during the event.
Official Responses and Ongoing Investigations
In a press conference late Thursday, Chief Suheri expressed his condolences, stating, “As police chief and on behalf of the entire unit, I would like to express my deepest apologies and condolences.” Following the tragic event, the seven crew members of the armoured vehicle involved have been arrested, and Abdul Karim, head of the professional and security division of the Indonesian police, confirmed that an investigation is underway.
In the wake of the death, motorcycle drivers staged a protest outside the riot police headquarters. Reports from Kompas TV indicate that military personnel were deployed to the location to help calm the situation as dozens of drivers rallied in response to the incident.
Additionally, Jakarta Legal Aid has called for the release of around 600 individuals who were arrested during the demonstrations, urging the government and police to reconsider their approach to handling the protests.
The situation in Jakarta remains tense as students and citizens continue to demand justice and accountability. With protests anticipated to grow in size and intensity, the Indonesian authorities face mounting pressure to address both the tragedy and the systemic issues that sparked the demonstrations.
