Protest illustration in Indonesia picture by Daddy Cavalero  

basera.id- Thousands of students and labor groups rallied around Indonesia’s national parliament in Jakarta on Thursday, August 28, 2025, protesting what they called “fantastic” benefits for lawmakers. The demonstrations centered on the DPR/MPR complex in Senayan before spilling into nearby corridors, including Jalan Penjernihan–Pejompongan and the Bendungan Hilir (Benhil) area, where riot police deployed crowd-control measures. Local outlets reported firecrackers and makeshift explosives in the clashes, and authorities attempted mass dispersal as traffic ground to a halt.

Amidst the chaos of that nite, a man with a online driver jacket, identified by some media as Affan Kurniawan was struck and killed by a Brimob armored vehicle near Benhil/Pejompongan. He was taken to RSCM Hospital but did not survive. Police and hospital officials confirmed the death. The video of the incident circulated widely and sparking public outrage.

In a pers conferrence at the late Thursday, Metro Jaya Police Chief Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri expressed remorse and promised accountability. “We are deeply bereaved and extend our profound apology to the victim’s family,” he said, adding that the case would be handled “as transparently as possible.

Police said seven personnel inside the armored vehicle have been secured for interrogation by Propam and Brimob. The seven personnel who were secured include; Kompol C, Aipda M, Bripka R, Briptu D, Bripda M, Baraka Y, and Baraka J. National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo also issued a public apology and ordered a full investigation into the incident.

This protest was triggered by a parliamentary plan to raise allowances, operational budgets, and perks for members of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR). The proposed increases included larger housing stipends, transportation facilities, and monthly expense allocations. Protesters argued that such benefits were lavish, unnecessary, and morally offensive given Indonesia’s current economic climate: slowing job growth, rising food and fuel prices, and persistent income inequality.

Student leaders framed the hikes as an insult to public hardship, pointing out that millions of Indonesians continue to struggle with stagnant wages and minimal government subsidies, while legislators sought to enrich themselves further. Labor groups echoed this criticism, describing the move as evidence of “political elitism” detached from ordinary citizens’ reality.

The inclusion of online drivers in the demonstrations reflected broader resentment from low- and middle-income workers who see the benefits package as part of a structural imbalance in how the state allocates resources: prioritizing parliamentarians over citizens’ basic needs. In chants and banners, protesters described the plan as “a betrayal of social justice” and demanded its immediate cancellation.