Indonesian students have announced fresh protests following the death of a motorcyclist during a demonstration in Jakarta. The incident happened during violent clashes between protesters and riot police outside the national parliament.
The victim, a motorcycle rideshare driver, was hit by a police armoured vehicle on Thursday night. Jakarta’s police chief confirmed the death and issued an apology. Authorities stated the man was not involved in the protest.
The protest had begun earlier that day. Indonesian students gathered to voice their concerns over lawmakers’ pay, lack of education funding, and the government’s school meals programme. As tensions grew, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd.
Muzammil Ihsan, head of Indonesia’s largest student union, said that Indonesian students will now protest outside the Jakarta police headquarters. He added that the demonstration will focus on police violence. Other student groups are also expected to join the protest.
The Indonesian police have arrested seven officers who were inside the armoured vehicle that struck the motorcyclist. A full investigation into the incident is underway, according to a police spokesperson.
In response to the fatal incident, groups of motorcycle drivers gathered outside the riot police headquarters on Thursday night. Local media reported that military personnel were deployed to calm the situation.
Jakarta Legal Aid has urged the authorities to release around 600 people who were arrested during the demonstrations. The organization posted the demand on social media, stating that peaceful protest must be respected.
Indonesian students say they will not back down. They are calling for justice, government accountability, and protection of civil rights. As the protests continue, the government faces growing pressure to respond to public concerns and ensure transparent investigations.
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