The Incident and Immediate Aftermath
Eyewitnesses and video footage that quickly circulated across social media platforms depict Affan slipping amid the commotion and being struck by the armoured Barracuda vehicle belonging to the Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob). Shockingly, the vehicle did not stop to administer aid but continued to drive over the fallen driver, inflicting severe injuries. It was only moments later that emergency responders transported Affan to Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM), where he succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward
Accountability and Police Action
Promptly responding to public outrage, the Professional and Security Division of the Indonesian National Police, led by Inspector General Abdul Karim, announced the arrest and placement under special assignment (patsus) of seven Brimob personnel implicated in the incident. These individuals—Bripka R, Kompol C, Aipda R, Briptu D, Bripda M, Bharaka J, and Bharaka Y—are currently being held and investigated by the Divpropam at Mabes Polri. This placement will last for 20 days, starting from 29 August until 17 September, and may be extended if needed.
Brigjen Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko assured that the probe will be transparent, impartial, and include the involvement of external observers to bolster public trust in the process.
Political and National Reactions
1. Presidential Condolences and Promise of Justice
President Prabowo Subianto, expressing profound grief and disappointment, issued a statement via audiovisual message on 29 August 2025. He offered heartfelt condolences, emphasizing the government’s duty to support Affan’s bereaved family and expressing a commitment to “pursue a just and transparent investigation,” promising that those responsible would face the “sternest consequences” under the law
2. Apology from the Police Chief
Simultaneously, Kapolri Jenderal Listyo Sigit Prabowo conveyed a formal apology in writing, expressing deep regret over the mishandling of the situation and acknowledging the gravity of the loss
3. International Media Coverage
The tragedy attracted global attention. The Straits Times of Singapore highlighted the public’s grief and outrage, including emotional remarks by Affan’s mother, Erlina, who tearfully implored that “the person who killed my son must receive the severest punishment”, underscoring Affan’s role as his family’s breadwinner and his earnest aspirations to support them. Reports also emerged from Reuters, Bloomberg, Arab News, and others, detailing the escalating protests and intensified scrutiny of law enforcement practices
Public Grief and Mobilisation
The public mourning culminated in a powerful display of solidarity when thousands of ojol drivers escorted Affan’s funeral procession and burial at Karet Bivak Cemetery on 29 August 2025. The somber rites were marked by deep emotion and a palpable demand for justice.
The funeral was attended by prominent figures such as former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan, Chief of Jakarta Police Asep Edi Suheri, and entrepreneur Jusuf Hamka, who pledged to support Affan’s family, including by financing the education of his younger siblings
Digital Outpouring and Anchored Slogans of Protest
On social media, hashtags like #PolisiPembunuhRakyat (“Police Are the Murderers of the People”) surged to the top of trending lists, encapsulating public disillusionment with law enforcement. Across platforms like X, TikTok, Instagram, news outlets, and YouTube, netizens broadcast powerful tributes, demands for justice, and criticism of the perceived abuse of official force.
Reflection and Forward Path
Affan Kurniawan’s death is more than a personal tragedy—it is a resolute reminder of the fragility of justice and the imperative of accountability. His aspirations—saving to buy land and build a home for his family—remain unfulfilled by a preventable act of institutional malfeasance.
This incident reveals systemic vulnerabilities in public safety protocols, especially during mass demonstrations. It lays bare the urgent necessity for transparent law enforcement procedures, oversight mechanisms, and humane training. The government’s response—if conducted with sincerity and rigor—could serve as a turning point in rebuilding public trust.
