Indonesian authorities on Wednesday fired a police officer involved in the death of a motorcycle taxi driver during nationwide protests over police violence and lawmakers’ perks, while large crowds of demonstrators continued to call for systemic reform in the capital, multiple media outlets report.
Cosmas Kaju Gae, one of seven officers detained after the fatal incident on 28 August, was “dishonourably” dismissed following an ethics hearing, national police spokesperson Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko confirmed.
Cosmas, who had been in the front seat of the vehicle that struck the driver, said he never intended to kill anyone and was considering an appeal. The fate of the remaining six officers has yet to be determined.
The incident sparked widespread unrest across Indonesia, marking the worst demonstrations since President Prabowo Subianto, an ex-general, took office less than a year ago. Protesters — including students, workers, and rights groups — have voiced anger over police brutality, economic inequality, and lavish allowances for lawmakers. At least 10 people have died, and hundreds were injured, with some looting and rioting reported.
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The protests have adopted the symbolic colours pink and green. Pink references the hijab worn by a woman who staged a solo protest outside parliament, while green commemorates 21-year-old delivery driver Affan Kurniawan, whose death intensified public outrage. Demonstrators have also carried brooms, a gesture described by the Alliance of Indonesian Women as a call to “sweep away the state’s dirt and the repressiveness of security forces.”
In response to public pressure, President Prabowo pledged to reduce lawmakers’ housing and travel allowances, while parliamentary officials met with student unions demanding the release of detained demonstrators and investigations into police conduct. University of Indonesia student body head Agus Setiawan contrasted MPs’ benefits with widespread economic hardship, saying: “It’s as if they take advantage of us in every election … but after they won, we were forgotten.”
Fitch Ratings has warned that ongoing social tensions could affect Indonesia’s sovereign credit profile if unrest slows economic growth or disrupts fiscal planning. Analysts noted that lingering political discontent may continue to challenge the government, even with a parliamentary majority.
Despite the unrest, President Prabowo attended a military parade in Beijing on Wednesday, citing signs of normalcy returning at home as a reason for resuming his international schedule. Protesters, however, continue to press for accountability across the archipelago.
