At least three people have been confirmed dead after a protest in Makassar, South Sulawesi, spiraled into violence and fire engulfed the city council building on Friday night.
The unrest followed nationwide demonstrations over the death of a motorcycle taxi driver, identified as Affan Kuniawan, who was allegedly struck by a police tactical vehicle during earlier rallies.
The incident has sparked outrage across Indonesia, with protesters accusing the authorities of heavy-handed tactics and demanding accountability.
Rahmat Mappatoba, secretary of the Makassar City Council, told reporters that the victims were trapped when protesters stormed and set the council office ablaze.
“This is beyond our prediction. Usually, during a demonstration, they only throw rocks or burn tyres outside. This time, they forced their way in and torched the building,” he lamented.
Two of the victims were staff members of the council, while the third was a civil servant. Officials confirmed that two people died at the scene, while the third succumbed to injuries at the hospital. At least four others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment.
Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as protesters hurled Molotov cocktails, torched vehicles, and cheered as flames spread through the building. One man was heard shouting, “There are people upstairs!” as smoke and debris filled the air.
In Jakarta, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the headquarters of the elite Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob), blamed for the driver’s death. Protesters threw firecrackers, attempted to pull down gates, and defaced signage, while police responded with tear gas.
Authorities said seven officers have been detained for questioning over Kuniawan’s death.
The unrest marks the most serious test yet for President Prabowo Subianto, less than a year into his presidency. In a swift response, he visited the victim’s family and promised justice.
“I have ordered that the incident be thoroughly and transparently investigated, and that the officers involved be held accountable,” Prabowo said in a statement.
He also pledged government support for the late driver’s relatives, posting pictures of his visit with them on Instagram.
“The state is committed to guaranteeing the livelihood of this family,” he assured.
The protests, fueled by anger over wage stagnation and criticism of lawmakers’ lavish perks, have spread to major cities including Yogyakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, and Medan.
Analysts say the scale of the demonstrations signals growing frustration with government policies. “This is no longer just about one death—it reflects deeper discontent with economic hardship and perceived injustice,” a political observer in Jakarta noted.
