Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has called for a swift and transparent investigation into the death of online motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan.

The driver was killed when he was run over by a Mobile Brigade armored vehicle during a protest dispersal near the parliamentary complex in Jakarta.

"For officers who committed mistakes or violations, the National Police are already conducting an internal inquiry. I have requested that this process be carried out quickly, transparently, and openly so the public can follow it," Prabowo said at the Merdeka Palace on Sunday.

The president stated he was shocked and disappointed by the excessive actions of security personnel during the incident on Thursday night.

He has ordered law enforcement authorities to hold those responsible accountable, stressing that if officers are proven to have acted beyond legal boundaries, the government will take the "firmest action" in accordance with the law.

Seven members of the Jakarta Police Mobile Brigade are currently being questioned in connection with the case.

The president also reaffirmed the government's commitment to upholding democracy by respecting the public's freedom of expression and ensuring that all genuine aspirations from the public are heard. He emphasized the government is dedicated to providing an open space for public discourse.

The recent protests across Indonesia were primarily fueled by public outrage over a proposed monthly housing allowance of Rp50 million (about US$3,000) for members of parliament, which many considered excessive amid rising living costs and a weak economy.

The situation was exacerbated by several legislators' comments that were perceived as insensitive and out of touch, such as comparing themselves to manual laborers, calling protesters "dumb," and justifying the allowance by citing their own long commutes.

The demonstrations escalated and became more violent after a video went viral showing a police tactical vehicle running over and killing a motorcycle taxi driver during a protest in Jakarta.


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