Police Investigate Brimob Officers After Death of Gojek Driver in Jakarta Protest Clashes
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Indonesian police have launched an investigation into seven Mobile Brigade officers after a Gojek driver was killed when a tactical vehicle struck him during a protest dispersal in Pejompongan, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, Aug 28, 2025. The incident has triggered public outrage, spontaneous demonstrations by ride-hailing drivers, and renewed scrutiny of police accountability.
Inspector General Abdul Karim, head of the Professional and Security Division at National Police Headquarters, said the officers involved had been detained for questioning. The statement was delivered during a press conference at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Jakarta, attended by Jakarta Metropolitan Police Chief Inspector General Asep Edi and Jakarta Police Spokesperson Commissioner Ade Ary.
“On behalf of the institution, we extend our deepest condolences. This incident is being handled with the utmost seriousness and transparency. We will ensure accountability, with external oversight, so that the process is professional and fair,” Abdul Karim said.
He confirmed that the seven Brimob members were inside the tactical vehicle at the time of the incident. They included one police commissioner, one non-commissioned officer, and several brigadiers. “We are still investigating who was driving. All seven are under examination, and each of their roles is being clarified,” he added.
The tactical vehicle involved has been seized and moved to the Brimob headquarters in Kwitang for forensic examination. Karim emphasized that the investigation was being conducted directly under his command and would involve the National Police Commission (Kompolnas) for independent monitoring.
The clashes also left 10 police personnel injured, one of whom remained in critical condition at Kramat Jati Police Hospital. At least five civilians were also hurt during the incident.
Initial reports identified the victim as Umar Amarudin, a driver from Sukabumi, but later verification by PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk confirmed that the deceased was 28-year-old Affan Kurniawan, a Gojek driver from Jati Pulo, West Jakarta.
GoTo Public Affairs and Communications Director Ade Mulya confirmed Affan’s identity and expressed condolences. “Based on verification and our internal investigation, we confirm that the late Affan Kurniawan was indeed our Gojek partner. We convey our deepest sympathy to his family and fellow drivers,” Ade said at the hospital.
The company has provided assistance including an ambulance, coordination for autopsy and post-mortem procedures, and financial compensation to the victim’s family. “We are doing our utmost to support the family, while also coordinating with authorities,” Ade added.
The news of Affan’s death spread rapidly among the online motorcycle taxi community, prompting groups of drivers to gather in front of Brimob headquarters in Kwitang to demand justice. The atmosphere in Jakarta remained tense, with civil society groups urging a transparent investigation to restore public trust.
The tragedy has further fueled debate about police crowd-control tactics in Indonesia, particularly regarding the use of armored vehicles in densely populated urban areas. Both police officials and GoTo called on the public to maintain order to prevent further escalation.