Mass protests have broken out in cities across Indonesia with clashes between police and those in attendance following the death of a ride-sharing driver who was hit by a police vehicle on Thursday night.
Twenty-one-year-old Affan Kurniawan had been taking part in the action opposing housing perks for politicians and cost-of-living issues.
On Friday, tear gas and water cannons were fired at crowds gathering in the major cities of Jakarta and Surabaya, while some protesters threw Molotov cocktails and fireworks.
The unrest is seen as a key test for President Prabowo Subianto, with frustrations over a lack of jobs, low wages, high taxes, and rising living costs.
Affan Kurniawan's funeral took place on Friday, with his former colleagues accompanying him to his final resting place. They were joined by Jakarta police chief Asep Edi Suheri, and politicians Rieke Dyah Pitaloka and former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan, who expressed hope for a thorough investigation while urging delivery riders to cease protests to maintain stability.
The police chief also repeated an apology.
As this was happening, protesters gathered outside the police headquarters to demand justice for his death.
An apology was also issued by President Prabowo Subianto, expressing his shock and disappointment over the officers' excessive actions.
The governor of Jakarta, Pramono Anung, visited Mr. Kurniawan's family, offering condolences and financial assistance for funeral arrangements.
On Friday, seven members of the Mobile Brigade Corps (Satbrimob) were reportedly found to have violated the police professional code of ethics.
As tensions escalated, protesters attempted to block a police convoy and threw rocks at vehicles. The crowd grew as students from the local Pertamina University joined the demonstration.
Earlier, protesters displayed a banner reading arrest the damn officers on a nearby pedestrian bridge.
Protests were also reported in other areas outside Jakarta, including Jawa Barat, Surakarta, Bandung, and Medan.
Following Mr. Kurniawan's death, Gojek issued a statement mourning his loss, saying, Behind every green jacket, there's a family, prayers, and struggle. Affan Kurniawan was part of that journey, and his departure leaves a deep sorrow for all of us. The company added that it would support Mr. Kurniawan's family.
The protests, which have occurred throughout the week, address a wide range of issues, with a key complaint being a new monthly allowance for lawmakers set to receive 50 million rupiah ($3,030; £2,250), nearly ten times the minimum wage in Jakarta. Protestors are also demanding higher wages, lower taxes, and stronger anti-corruption measures.
