Prabowo’s police reforms and democracy on the line in Indonesia after deadly protests

A police blockade during a demonstration against police violence in Jakarta, on Sept 4.

PHOTO: EPA

Arlina Arshad

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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.

Prabowo’s police reforms and democracy on the line in Indonesia after deadly protests

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