Fire at Council Building During Indonesia Protests Leaves Three Dead

Makassar, Indonesia, Aug 2025 : At least three people were killed in eastern Indonesia’s Makassar city after protesters set fire to a local council building during nationwide demonstrations triggered by the death of a motorcycle taxi driver struck by a police vehicle.

The unrest began Friday, when footage circulated online showing a gig-economy motorcycle driver, identified as Affan Kuniawan, being run over by a police tactical vehicle during earlier protests over low wages and lawmakers’ perceived lavish perks. The video sparked anger across the country, with rallies erupting in major cities including Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, and Medan.

Chaos in Makassar

Protests in Makassar, South Sulawesi, spiraled into violence late Friday night as demonstrators clashed with authorities outside both the provincial and city council buildings. Vehicles were set ablaze, while protesters hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails. By early Saturday, both council buildings were engulfed in flames.

Makassar City Council Secretary Rahmat Mappatoba confirmed that three people died in the blaze. “They were trapped in the burning building,” he said, accusing protesters of storming the council office before setting it on fire.

“This is beyond our prediction. Usually, during demonstrations, protesters only throw rocks or burn tyres in front of the office. They never storm into the building or burn it,” Mappatoba added.

Two of the victims were council staff, while the third was a civil servant. Two died at the scene, and another succumbed to injuries at the hospital. At least four others were injured and are being treated at local hospitals. Authorities have since extinguished the fire, though dramatic images showed the provincial council engulfed in flames overnight.

Violent Clashes in Jakarta

In the capital Jakarta, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the headquarters of the elite Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob), a paramilitary police unit widely criticized for heavy-handed tactics. Protesters accused Brimob of responsibility for Kuniawan’s death.

Crowds attempted to tear down the unit’s gates, hurled firecrackers, and pulled down a sign from the building’s facade. Police responded with tear gas. Authorities later confirmed that seven officers had been detained for questioning over the incident.

Government Response

President Prabowo Subianto, less than a year into his presidency, is now facing one of the most serious challenges of his tenure. The protests have been described as the largest and most violent of his rule so far.

In a statement posted on Instagram Friday, Prabowo urged calm and pledged accountability. “The government is committed to guaranteeing the livelihood of Affan Kuniawan’s family,” he wrote, sharing photos of himself visiting the driver’s relatives. He has ordered a full investigation into Kuniawan’s death and said those responsible will be held to account.

Prabowo, who came to power promising rapid state-driven growth, has already faced criticism over sweeping budget cuts used to fund populist programs, including a billion-dollar free meal initiative. The unrest highlights rising public dissatisfaction with his policies, as workers across Indonesia press demands for better wages and treatment.

Nationwide Unrest

Beyond Jakarta and Makassar, demonstrations spread across Java and Sumatra, with cities such as Yogyakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, and Medan witnessing rallies and sporadic clashes. While most protests remained peaceful, the violence in Makassar and Jakarta underscored the volatility of public anger.

Authorities have yet to announce whether additional security measures will be introduced in response to the unrest. For now, the incident at Makassar’s council building stands as a deadly reminder of how quickly demonstrations in Indonesia can escalate into tragedy.

Team Maverick.