Jakarta, August 28, 2025 — Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old online motorcycle taxi driver, died tragically on Thursday after being struck and killed by an Indonesian police riot-control vehicle during a mass protest.

Affan had joined hundreds of demonstrators voicing anger at what they see as unjust and inhumane policies pushed by parliament. The protests were triggered by lawmakers’ decision to raise their already high salaries — currently 38 times greater than the average worker’s pay — while many Indonesians struggle to survive on barely USD 8 a day. At the same time, some regional leaders have imposed tax hikes of up to 200 percent, worsening public frustration.

Public anger deepened after several legislators openly mocked citizens, calling them “foolish” and “dumb,” even as videos showed members of parliament celebrating news of their pay raise.

It was in this climate of discontent that Affan decided to take to the streets. Like many others, he sought to raise his voice against what protesters describe as a corrupt government deaf to the suffering of its people.

Instead of dialogue, the government’s response was force. Police deployed tear gas and heavy vehicles to disperse the crowd. In the chaos, Affan stumbled and fell in front of a tactical truck. As he tried to stand and run, the vehicle struck and fatally ran over him.

His death has become a stark reminder of the widening divide between Indonesia’s political elite and ordinary citizens — and of the risks faced by those who dare to protest.