Indonesia’s Small Businesses: Growth & Opportunity
- Updated September 5,2024,22:21:28 UTC - Recent protests in Indonesia,sparked by the death of a motorcycle taxi driver,demonstrate the growing political influence of the country's vast network of gig...
- The protests began in late August 2024 following the death of Affan Kurniawan, a driver for the Gojek platform, in jakarta.
- The response from authorities, initially perceived as slow and inadequate, further inflamed tensions in a country already grappling with deep-seated distrust of the police and the political elite.
Indonesian Protests Highlight Power of “Ojol” Drivers and Fragile Democracy
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Updated September 5,2024,22:21:28 UTC – Recent protests in Indonesia,sparked by the death of a motorcycle taxi driver,demonstrate the growing political influence of the country’s vast network of gig economy workers and underscore the ongoing challenges to its democratic institutions.
The Spark: A Fatal Collision and Public Outcry
The protests began in late August 2024 following the death of Affan Kurniawan, a driver for the Gojek platform, in jakarta. Kurniawan died after a collision with a car driven by an off-duty police officer,Bripka Triyono,on August 23,2024,as reported by Reuters. Initial reports suggested a lack of accountability and preferential treatment for the officer, fueling public anger.
The response from authorities, initially perceived as slow and inadequate, further inflamed tensions in a country already grappling with deep-seated distrust of the police and the political elite. This distrust stems from a history of authoritarian rule and ongoing concerns about corruption and impunity, as detailed in a human Rights Watch report on Indonesia.
“Ojol” Drivers Take to the Streets
The protests were both swift and unusually large, quickly becoming the largest demonstrations in Indonesia in decades. Demonstrators adopted the color green, symbolizing the uniforms of many online motorcycle taxi services. The movement was largely driven by “ojol” drivers – a vital part of indonesia’s transportation and delivery infrastructure – but quickly gained broader support from students, activists, and the general public.
President Prabowo Subianto and the chief of police both issued apologies for kurniawan’s death. The family was provided with a new home, a gesture intended to appease public anger. Furthermore, lawmakers promised a series of reforms, including a rollback of some of their own perks and privileges, according to The Guardian.
“Affan conveys an image of great emotional strength,” Yoes Kenawas, a researcher at Atma Jaya University in Jakarta, told Le Monde. “he embodies the daily life of Indonesians: a young man who delivers their meals, drives them, and struggles to make ends meet.”
Regional Solidarity and the Rise of #SEAblings
The protests resonated across Southeast Asia, with expressions of solidarity pouring in from neighboring countries. Online gifts were sent to “ojol” drivers from individuals in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. The hashtag #SEAblings, a play on “siblings” and “South East Asia,” went viral on social