Indonesia: Protests escalate after death of demonstrator

Mass protests in Indonesia reignited on Friday following the death of a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver who was run over and killed by an armored police vehicle as security authorities tried to contain student protests.Affan Kurniawan, the driver, died on Thursday evening near the parliament in Jakarta during violent clashes as police tried to disperse demonstrators protesting a number of issues, including lawmakers' pay and education funding.The incident sparked outrage. Early Friday morning, protesters marched to the headquarters of the anti-riot police Mobile Brigade in central Jakarta. Some of the protesters attempted to storm the compound.The police responded by using tear gas to disperse the crowd. An angry group of protesters then set fire to a police post and cars parked near the compound.What did the police say?Indonesia's national police chief, Listyo Sigit Prabowo, offered a public apology and promised that the police would investigate."I deeply regret the incident and extend my sincerest condolences to the victim, his family and the entire ride-hailing community," he said.

In a specially recorded video message, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto called for calm and expressed his condolences for the death of Kurniawan."I am shocked and disappointed by the excessive actions of the officers," Prabowo said, adding that he has ordered "a thorough and transparent investigation, stressing that "officers involved must be held accountable."What sparked the protests?In recent days, tens of thousands of people have been demonstrating in Jakarta and other Indonesian cities against a new monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (€2,600 or $3,000) for parliamentarians.This announcement came at a time when many people in the Southeast Asian nation are struggling with rising living costs and mass layoffs. Critics say this amount is nearly ten times higher than the minimum wage in many regions.Public frustration has been fueled further by social media videos showing politicians flaunting their lavish lifestyles.Police have used tear gas and water cannons against the crowds, arresting hundreds.