Protests in Indonesia Turn Deadly: 3 Killed in Blaze at Makassar City Council Building
At least three people were killed in a fire set by protesters at the Makassar City Council building on August 29, 2025, following widespread demonstrations across Indonesia. The protests, sparked by the death of a motorcycle taxi driver hit by a police vehicle, quickly escalated into violent confrontations in several cities, including the capital Jakarta.
The Makassar protests, initially triggered by outrage over the incident, quickly turned chaotic. Demonstrators set fire to both the provincial and city council buildings, while vehicles were also torched. Protesters threw rocks and Molotov cocktails, causing significant damage. The blaze at the city council building tragically trapped and killed three people—two local council employees and a civil servant. Two of the victims died on-site, while the third succumbed to injuries in the hospital. At least four others were injured and are receiving medical treatment.
“This attack was unprecedented,” said Rahmat Mappatoba, Secretary of the Makassar City Council. “We’ve never seen protesters storm a building and set it on fire like this before.”
The protests were a reaction to the killing of gig driver Affan Kuniawan, who was run over by a police tactical vehicle. The incident sparked outrage over perceived police brutality and ongoing issues with low wages and lavish benefits for lawmakers. Protests spread quickly to other major Indonesian cities, including Jakarta, Surabaya, and Medan, with protesters clashing with authorities and calling for accountability.
In Jakarta, hundreds gathered outside the headquarters of the Mobile Brigade Corp (Brimob), a controversial paramilitary unit involved in Kuniawan’s death. Demonstrators threw firecrackers, while police deployed tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Seven officers have been detained for questioning in connection with the fatal incident.
The protests represent one of the most significant challenges to President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, just months into his presidency. The demonstrations have forced the government to promise a swift investigation into the death of Kuniawan, while President Subianto has urged for calm and ordered an inquiry. The unrest highlights ongoing frustrations with economic policies and government spending priorities, as protests over budget cuts and populist measures continue to escalate.
