Blood shed in Jakarta: Prabowo appeals for calm but he’s unlikely to succeed, say analysts

How Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto handles the fallout will shape perceptions of his presidency.

How President Prabowo Subianto handles the fallout will shape perceptions of his presidency.

ST PHOTO: WAHYUDI SOERIAATMADJA

Hariz Baharudin

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Motorcycle ride-sharing driver Affan Kurniawan's death after he was struck by a police vehicle during Jakarta protests has fuelled public anger against the Prabowo administration.
Protests, triggered by perks for lawmakers and rising costs, may escalate if leaders fail to address public concerns and police violence.
Analysts urge Mr Prabowo to evaluate police leadership and dismantle the culture of violence, as the unrest hurts investor sentiment.

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SINGAPORE – The death of 21-year-old Affan Kurniawan, a ride-hailing motorbike rider who was struck by a police tactical vehicle at a protest in Jakarta on the night of Aug 28, has sharpened public discontent in Indonesia and is expected to add momentum to further demonstrations in the days ahead.

The incident that occurred during

Jakarta’s second major protest in a week

, fuelled by public anger over generous allowances being offered to legislators, has become a lightning rod for wider grievances tied to President Prabowo Subianto and his administration, analysts told The Straits Times. This comes amid growing perceptions that the political elite is detached from ordinary Indonesians, they noted.

Blood shed in Jakarta: Prabowo appeals for calm but he’s unlikely to succeed, say analysts

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