• Widespread protests across Jakarta sparked by the death of a motorcycle driver hit by police.
• President Prabowo calls for calm and a thorough investigation amid rising tensions.
• Demonstrations highlight public dissatisfaction with police actions and government accountability.

Protests erupted in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, on Friday after the death of Affan Kurniawan, a motorcycle ride-sharing driver, who was fatally struck by a police vehicle during an attempt to disperse demonstrators. These protests signify the first substantial challenge to President Prabowo Subianto's nearly year-old administration, with citizens calling for police reform and accountability for the incident. Schools and businesses were affected as many allowed students to leave early and employees worked from home amidst the demonstrations, which were noted for their scale and fervor, according to South China Morning Post and Reuters.

During the protests, crowds comprised of drivers, students, and various communities descended upon Jakarta’s parliament and police headquarters, engaging in direct actions such as throwing rocks and chanting slogans against the police. Demonstrators condemned the violence against Kurniawan, with one protester, Pendi Nasir, asserting, "We don't want our colleagues here to become victims of this riot again," signifying the deep-rooted concerns over police brutality, according to Channel News Asia and The Jakarta Post.

In response to the escalating protests, President Prabowo released a video message expressing shock over the police's actions, asserting the need for a "thorough and transparent investigation." Despite his calls for calm, public discontent persisted, showcasing a pronounced disconnect between government assurances and citizens' frustrations regarding law enforcement practices, with many demanding immediate changes to policing, as highlighted by reports from South China Morning Post and Reuters.

The unrest not only raised questions about public safety and police accountability but also affected Indonesia's economy, with the rupiah dropping nearly 1% and stock indices reflecting investor concerns. The capital’s police chief acknowledged the incident and expressed condolences, while the national police promised to detain seven officers involved for violating procedural conduct. This move illustrates attempts to manage the crisis, yet responses from the public suggest that trust in law enforcement remains deeply shaken, according to Channel News Asia and The Jakarta Post.