News analysis
Prabowo’s police reforms and democracy on the line in Indonesia after deadly protests
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A police blockade during a demonstration against police violence in Jakarta, on Sept 4.
PHOTO: EPA
- Public anger over the death of a delivery rider has highlighted police brutality, corruption and political interference in Indonesia.
- Analysts suggest President Prabowo must implement police reforms, including independent probes and ending violence, to maintain public trust.
- Failure to reform could weaken democracy, risking a shift towards authoritarianism and potentially allow the military to expand its influence.
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JAKARTA – After protests in August over lawmakers’ perks in Indonesia turned deadly, analysts say, President Prabowo Subianto faces a high-stakes test: implement police reforms or risk his credibility crumbling amid nationwide outrage.
The death of ride-hailing and delivery rider Affan Kurniawan on Aug 28, crushed under a police vehicle, ignited public fury over misconduct. The 21-year-old’s death has intensified calls to end police brutality, corruption and political interference while exposing repeated failures of accountability.