Affan Kurniawan, an online motorcycle taxi (ojol) driver died after being struck by a police tactical vehicle during a protest on Thursday night.
“This morning, President Prabowo Subianto expressed his deep condolences over the passing of our brother, the late Affan Kurniawan. Therefore, I ask for your permission to observe a moment of silence and pray that he may rest in peace.” he said in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, on Friday.
The minister also called on participants to pray for national unity. “We also hope that Indonesia remains united, continuing its development efforts in a better direction. Let us pray. Begin. Thank you,” he said.
Echoing President Prabowo's message, Suryanagara urged the public to remain calm and avoid being provoked by emotion in response to the incident.
He added that those believed to be involved in the fatal incident are currently under investigation. “Once again, the President has asked us to stay calm. He has instructed the relevant authorities to launch a thorough investigation,” he stated.
A widely circulated video shows a tactical vehicle of Polri's Mobile Brigade (Brimob) hitting and running over an ojol driver wearing a green jacket during an attempt to disperse protesters. The armored vehicle then reportedly sped away.
The victim later died at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) in Jakarta.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has personally apologized to the victim's family, offering condolences over the tragedy.
"We offer our condolences and apologize to the family of the deceased for this tragic event," he said during a visit to the victim’s family at RSCM early Friday.
He also met with community leaders in the victim's neighborhood to assist with funeral arrangements and other support.
"We've communicated with the family to help prepare the burial and address any other requests they may have," he said.
Meanwhile, Head of the Police Professional and Security Division (Propam) Inspector General Abdul Karim confirmed that seven Brimob officers inside the vehicle had been questioned, assuring the public that the investigation would be conducted transparently.
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Translator: Uyu, Azis Kurmala
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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