Three people lost their lives in Makassar, South Sulawesi, after demonstrators set fire to a city council building during nationwide protests over the death of a motorcycle taxi driver hit by a police vehicle.
Officials said the victims, who included council staff and a civil servant, were trapped inside the burning building. Several others were injured and taken to hospital.
The unrest spread across major cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Medan, with protesters clashing with police, torching vehicles, and storming government offices.
Anger was sparked by the death of gig driver Affan Kuniawan, allegedly run over by a police tactical truck during earlier demonstrations. His death intensified frustration over poor wages and lawmakers’ privileges.
In Jakarta, crowds attacked the headquarters of the Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob), blamed for the incident, while police fired tear gas to disperse them. Seven officers have been detained for questioning.
President Prabowo Subianto condemned the violence, called for calm, and ordered a transparent investigation. He also visited the driver’s family, pledging government support.
