Prabowo Orders Full Probe Into Deadly Protest Incident, Vows Justice for Victim’s Family
Main Takeaways
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto has vowed a full and transparent investigation into the death of online motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan, who was struck and killed by a police tactical vehicle during protests in Jakarta on Thursday, Aug 28, 2025.
In a televised national address on Friday, Aug 29, Prabowo expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the victim’s family, pledging that the government would guarantee their welfare. He stressed that any officers found guilty of misconduct would face the strongest possible sanctions under the law.
“I was shocked and disappointed at the excessive actions of the officers. If it is found that they acted outside proper conduct and regulations, we will take the strongest possible action under the law,” Prabowo said.
Call for Calm and Warning Against Provocation
Prabowo appealed to Indonesians to remain calm and trust in the government, promising to take note of and follow up on public grievances.
At the same time, he warned against groups seeking to incite unrest. “Such actions do not benefit the people, the community, or the nation,” he stressed.
Highlighting his long-term vision, Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia is consolidating its strength to become a strong industrial nation, capable of overcoming poverty and hunger. He urged citizens to safeguard unity and stability to support the country’s transformation.
“Indonesia will rise to become an advanced and independent nation that stands on its own feet,” Prabowo declared.
Crowds of online motorcycle taxi drivers demanding an apology from the Mobile Brigade Commander fill the Senen–Kwitang intersection in Central Jakarta on Friday morning, Aug 29, 2025. Photo: Investortrust/Dicki Antariksa
Police Chief Apologizes, Officers Under Probe
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo also offered a direct apology to the victim’s family after visiting them at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital early Friday.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the late Affan and his family. On behalf of our institution, I apologize for this tragedy,” Listyo stated. He confirmed that police officers had coordinated with community leaders to prepare funeral arrangements.
The police’s internal affairs division, Propam, has launched an investigation into seven Mobile Brigade officers suspected of involvement. Inspector General Abdul Karim, head of Propam, pledged that the inquiry would be conducted transparently and could involve external oversight.
Government Postpones Fiscal and Inflation Events
The Indonesian government has postponed two major economic events scheduled for Friday, Aug 29, 2025, citing escalating protests following the death of an online motorcycle taxi driver who was struck and killed by a police tactical vehicle during a demonstration.
The Ministry of Finance confirmed that the release of the August edition of the State Budget Performance and Facts report, known as APBN KiTa, will be rescheduled to Wednesday, Sept 3, 2025. Meanwhile, the National Coordination Meeting of the Regional Inflation Control Team and the Regional Digitalization Acceleration Team has been delayed indefinitely.
“This change in schedule is to adjust to the current developments,” the Finance Ministry said in an official statement.
The decision came after continued unrest near the Mobile Brigade Command Headquarters in Kwitang, Central Jakarta, where crowds demanded accountability for the death of driver Affan Kurniawan. The headquarters was only seven minutes away from the ministries complex. Demonstrations flared again on Friday morning, with security forces deployed to control the situation.
Market Reaction: IHSG Drops 2%
The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) fell by 2.3% on Friday's morning trading session as investors reacted to political unrest and uncertainty. Analysts warned that prolonged demonstrations could weigh on market confidence and disrupt Indonesia’s economic narrative ahead of September’s budget discussions.
The sell-off was broad-based, with banking and consumer stocks leading declines, reflecting fears that both domestic consumption and fiscal policy communication could be undermined if unrest continues.
Prabowo, in his national address, emphasized the link between political stability and economic development. He urged Indonesians to remain calm, reject provocations, and support the nation’s long-term goal of becoming a strong and self-reliant industrial economy.
“Indonesia will rise to become an advanced and independent nation that stands on its own feet,” Prabowo declared.