Protests Turn Deadly in Makassar as Fire Claims Three Lives

At least three individuals lost their lives in a fire that erupted during protests outside the city council building in Makassar, eastern Indonesia, on August 30, 2023. The unrest followed widespread demonstrations across the country triggered by the death of a motorcycle taxi driver, who was reportedly struck by a police vehicle. Local authorities confirmed the fatalities and described the chaotic events surrounding the protests.

The protests began in response to the death of Affan Kuniawan, a gig motorcycle driver, who was run over by a police tactical vehicle during earlier demonstrations concerning low wages and perceived excesses in government spending. As news of Kuniawan’s death spread, protests erupted in major cities, including the capital, Jakarta. Demonstrators criticized the government, demanding accountability and reforms.

In Makassar, tensions escalated as protesters clashed with police outside the provincial and local council buildings. The situation intensified when demonstrators set the Makassar city council building ablaze, leading to the tragic deaths of three individuals trapped inside. According to Rahmat Mappatoba, the building’s secretary, two of the victims were local council staff members, while the third was a civil servant. Two victims died at the scene, while one succumbed to injuries at a hospital.

The fire, which has since been extinguished, also resulted in injuries to at least four other individuals, who are currently receiving medical treatment. Mappatoba condemned the attack, stating, “This is beyond our prediction. Usually during a demonstration, protesters only threw rocks or burned a tyre in front of the office. They never stormed into the building or burned it.”

Protests Erupt Nationwide

The violence in Makassar is part of a broader wave of protests sweeping across Indonesia. Demonstrators gathered outside the South Sulawesi provincial council building, attempting to breach security gates. In Jakarta, hundreds confronted the elite Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob), blaming the unit for Kuniawan’s death. Protesters threw firecrackers and attempted to dismantle gates, while police responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Authorities have detained seven police officers for questioning regarding the incident related to Kuniawan’s death. These protests represent one of the most significant challenges to the presidency of Prabowo Subianto, as he faces growing unrest less than a year into his term. The president has called for calm, ordered an investigation into the protests, and reached out to the family of the deceased driver.

Subianto’s administration has already faced criticism over budget cuts aimed at funding populist initiatives, including a $1 billion free meal program. As protests continue to spread to other cities such as Yogyakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, and Medan, the government’s response will be closely scrutinized by both the public and international observers.

The events in Makassar serve as a stark reminder of the growing discontent among citizens regarding economic issues and governance in Indonesia, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and reform.