Affan Kurniawan crushed by Police Barracuda in Jakarta protest has become a tragic symbol of state violence in Indonesia. The 21-year-old ojek driver was run over and killed during chaotic demonstrations in Jakarta, igniting national outrage and drawing international attention to the brutality of police forces.
The Tragic Death of Affan Kurniawan Shakes Jakarta
Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old online motorcycle taxi driver, died on Thursday night, August 28, 2025, in a tragic incident in Pejompongan, Central Jakarta. He was hit and run over by a Brimob tactical vehicle, a Barracuda armored personnel carrier, during a massive demonstration.
Affan’s death immediately sparked national outrage and intensified social tensions amid widespread protests in multiple Indonesian cities. The tragedy raised urgent questions about civilian safety and police accountability during large-scale demonstrations. It also symbolizes the high risks faced by ordinary citizens trapped in dense crowds.
Affan’s passing sent shockwaves through his family and the online motorcycle taxi community. His death prompted spontaneous solidarity actions across major cities, showing how one tragedy can unite people in grief and anger.
Why Indonesians Took to the Streets and What They Were Protesting
The demonstrations that swept Jakarta and other cities, including Bandung, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Makassar, were driven by deep social and political grievances. Protesters demanded the abolition of parliamentary allowances they deemed unfair and opaque. They also called for sweeping reforms within the police force to enhance accountability.
Economic inequality was another central issue. Demonstrators urged for an increase in minimum wages and better transparency in public budget management. The protests involved students, laborers, online motorcycle taxi drivers, and ordinary citizens who felt ignored by authorities.
While initially peaceful, tensions escalated when the police deployed Barracuda armored vehicles and other tactical measures. This raised serious safety concerns for those caught in the crowds and ultimately led to tragedy.
Understanding the Barracuda and the Risks of Its Deployment
The Barracuda is a 12.5-ton 4×4 armored tactical vehicle used by Brimob for crowd control, VIP protection, and emergency evacuations. It accommodates two crew members and ten Brimob personnel. Its steel armor is bulletproof, capable of stopping 7.62 mm rounds.
The vehicle can traverse rough terrain and wade through water up to 1.2 meters. It is also fitted with roof-mounted weapon mounts for operational flexibility. Although designed for security, the Barracuda carries inherent risks when deployed in dense crowds.
The vehicle’s sheer size and weight, combined with the chaos of demonstrations, create deadly conditions for civilians nearby. The tragic incident involving Affan highlights the dangers posed when such vehicles operate in civilian-populated areas without absolute caution.
How Affan Was Hit and Run Over During the Demonstration
On the night of the incident, Affan was delivering orders as an online motorcycle taxi driver when he became trapped in the middle of the protest. Brimob officers attempted to disperse the crowd using tear gas, rubber bullets, and tactical vehicles.
In the chaos, the Barracuda hit and ran over Affan. He was left critically injured on the street, and the movement of the vehicle worsened his condition. The tragedy soon became unavoidable.
Affan was immediately taken to Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, but his life could not be saved. Witnesses recorded the incident and shared videos online, fueling public outrage. The tragedy became a symbol of escalating tensions between civilians and law enforcement. It showed how quickly a demonstration can turn deadly when heavy armored vehicles are deployed among the crowd.
The Scale of the Demonstration and Its Consequences
Approximately 15,000 people participated in Jakarta, with thousands more protesting in other major cities. Affan was one of three fatalities reported during the events. Dozens of civilians were injured, and roughly 950 were detained.
These numbers illustrate the scale of unrest and the risks faced by civilians. The high number of casualties and arrests raises serious questions about how authorities manage large-scale demonstrations. It also underscores the urgent need for safer crowd-control practices.
The Brimob Officers Who Were Inside the Barracuda
Seven Brimob officers were inside the Barracuda during the incident. They were Aipda M. Rohyani, Briptu Danang, Briptu Mardin, Baraka Jana Edi, Baraka Yohanes David, Bripka Rohmat, and Kompol Cosmas K. Gae. All of them have been placed in special custody by the Professional and Security Division of the Indonesian National Police for violating ethics and operational procedures.
The presence of these seven officers at the center of the tragedy has drawn intense scrutiny. Public criticism has been fierce, accusing them of negligence and excessive force in handling civilians. Social media erupted with debates over their responsibility. Many questioned whether any measures were taken to prevent harm to citizens in a dense crowd. Their actions remain under investigation, but the incident has already left a stain on the reputation of the Brimob unit involved.
Public Outrage and the Government Response
Affan’s death triggered widespread anger online and mobilized solidarity actions from students and online motorcycle taxi communities. People held prayers and voiced demands for accountability and transparency from the government and police.
President Prabowo Subianto and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo expressed condolences to Affan’s family. They also promised a full investigation into the incident.
The public’s reaction demonstrates how a single tragedy can influence national discourse. Citizens called for reforms in crowd-control procedures and insisted on stricter accountability to ensure civilian safety during protests.
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Lessons from the Tragedy and What It Means for the Future
The death of Affan Kurniawan has attracted both national and international attention. It highlights the tension between public demonstrations and civilian safety.
While the Barracuda is a heavily protected tactical vehicle, it poses lethal risks when deployed in uncontrolled crowds. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder for authorities to prioritize civilian safety, enforce accountability, and ensure that similar incidents do not recur in the future.