Indonesia is witnessing a wave of protests stemming from public outrage over economic inequality, highlighted by the tragic death of delivery rider Affan Kurniawan, who was killed by a police vehicle during demonstrations. His case has ignited calls for police accountability and reform, reflecting a significant societal tension.
Kompolnas Recommendations
According to Indonesia’s National Police Commission (Kompolnas), criminal charges and ethical sanctions have been recommended against seven officers from the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) involved in the incident. On 28 August 2024, the 21-year-old rider was run over while delivering goods during protests, sparking national outrage.
- Protests erupted on 25 August 2024, initially against increased allowances for Members of Parliament.
- At least 10 people have died, with over 1,680 arrests reported, according to the National Commission on Human Rights.
Calls for Accountability
Commissioner Mohammad Choirul Anam emphasised the need for both ethical and criminal proceedings to run in parallel, underscoring that law enforcement must be professional, transparent, and fair. The police’s Professional and Security Division (Propam) has determined that the officers’ actions contained elements of a criminal offence that warrants both an internal ethics review and a criminal investigation.
The officers involved include Chief Brigadier Rohmat, the driver of the vehicle, and his superior, Police Commissioner Cosmas Kaju, who are both facing disciplinary action. While Propam cannot initiate criminal charges, it can refer evidence to criminal investigators.
Ongoing Protests and Their Impact
As the protests continue, they have caused significant economic losses, estimated at nearly 900 billion rupiah (approximately US$54.8 million), with infrastructure damages reported in various regions, including East Java and Makassar. Protests took a toll on the public infrastructure, leading to increased calls for reforms.
Amidst the unrest, police detained six additional officers linked to the incident involving Affan. The tension further escalated when two civil society leaders were arrested for allegedly inciting violence, raising concerns about the government’s response to dissent.
A Way Forward
With tensions rife and public demand for accountability at its peak, the Kompolnas’s actions may serve as a precedent for enhanced oversight of law enforcement in Indonesia. As the situation evolves, many are hopeful that meaningful reforms will be addressed to restore public faith in the authorities.
Ultimately, the push for police reform comes amid broader demands for transparency and equity in governance, reflecting a society that is increasingly unwilling to tolerate injustice.