A wave of intense public anger recently swept across the nation, leading to tragedy in the city of Makassar. Protesters, frustrated with officials, stormed and set fire to the local city council building. At least three people died, trapped inside the burning structure.
City officials confirmed the grim details. Rahmad Mappatoba, the Makassar City Council Secretary, stated that two local council workers and one civil servant were caught in the blaze. Two of them died at the scene, and the third passed away later in the hospital. Beyond the fatalities, at least four other people were hospitalized with injuries. Firefighters eventually brought the inferno under control. Images from the area showed the provincial council building engulfed in flames against the night sky.
This fiery incident was a stark peak in a larger wave of unrest. The protests started after a shocking video spread widely online. The clip showed Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old delivery rider, run over and killed by an armored riot police vehicle. This terrible event happened during a rally where people were speaking out against low wages and what they saw as lavish allowances for members of parliament.
The video sparked nationwide demonstrations last Friday. From the capital city of Jakarta to Yogyakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, and Medan, thousands poured into the streets. In Jakarta, hundreds gathered outside the headquarters of Brimob, the police special forces unit known for its tough tactics. Protesters lit firecrackers and tried to break through the gates, while police pushed back with tear gas. Some demonstrators even tore nameplates from the building, showing their deep frustration.
Police officials confirmed that seven officers are now being questioned regarding Affan Kurniawan’s death. However, the driver of the armored vehicle involved has not yet been publicly identified.
This widespread and violent unrest marks the biggest challenge for President Prabowo Subianto since he took office less than a year ago. He is now under pressure to calm the public and order a full investigation into the events. He has also been urged to visit the grieving family of the young rider.
Prabowo won the election on promises of fast economic growth led by the government. Yet, his administration faces growing criticism for massive populist programs, such as a multi-billion dollar free food initiative. To pay for these projects, the government has cut funds from other public services. This has only fueled public dissatisfaction and deepened the current crisis.
Source: channelnewsasia