President Prabowo Commits to Justice for Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers, Urges Public to Maintain Stability

By: Zaki Walad

President Prabowo Subianto reiterated his strong commitment to continue bringing justice to Affan Kurniawan, an online motorcycle taxi (ojol) driver who died in an accident with a Brimob tactical vehicle during a demonstration on August 28, 2025.

The Head of State not only expressed his deep condolences but also demonstrated concrete steps by promising full attention to the victim’s family and ensuring a transparent legal process.

The President expressed his disappointment over the actions of the authorities, which ultimately resulted in the loss of life. He has ordered that the case be handled openly and will ensure that all parties involved are held fully accountable for their actions.

This commitment demonstrates that the government under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership places justice for the people above all else. He also emphasized that he will guarantee the lives of the victim’s family, from Affan’s parents to his siblings. The President’s firm stance also served as a moral message that the state is present not only with condolences, but also with real responsibility.

Furthermore, President Prabowo urged the public to remain calm. He promised to record all public complaints and channel these aspirations through appropriate mechanisms.

This appeal was not only intended to calm post-demonstration emotions but also as a strategic step to maintain national stability. In a turbulent situation, social peace is a key factor in ensuring the nation remains resilient in the face of political dynamics.

The Chief of the Indonesian National Police, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, also publicly apologized to the victims’ families and the online motorcycle taxi community. He emphasized that the incident would be an important evaluation for the National Police in carrying out its duties to secure mass demonstrations.

The National Police Chief’s humble attitude signaled an awareness that the police institution needed to improve procedures to prevent similar tragedies from recurring. By following up on the case seriously, the National Police demonstrated a commitment aligned with the President to uphold justice for the people while maintaining a sense of security within the community.

The National Police Chief’s statement affirmed that state officials are responsible for maintaining stability while still respecting the rights of the community. The promised evaluation will be a crucial test for the police institution in improving professionalism while maintaining public trust. Transparency in case handling is expected to quell unrest, as the public demands clarity, not just empty promises.

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi also emphasized the importance of caution by officers in overseeing demonstrations. He asked the police to remain patient in dealing with the crowd and to carry out their duties responsibly.

According to him, the Palace continues to coordinate with relevant institutions to ensure swift, thorough, and transparent handling of the case. This call demonstrates that the government is not only focused on resolving individual cases but also on strengthening the security system for demonstrations to be more humane in the future.

The request for special attention to the incident demonstrates the government’s seriousness in prioritizing the lives of the people. Coordination between the Palace, the National Police, and relevant institutions is key to delivering justice while maintaining social harmony. Thus, the message conveyed is clear: this tragic event should not be ignored, but also should not be exploited to divide the nation.

The incident on August 28, 2025, shook the public, especially the online motorcycle taxi driver community, who mourned the loss of one of their colleagues. However, amidst the grief and anger, the state, through President Prabowo’s leadership, has emerged, emphasizing a policy direction focused on both justice and stability. These two aspects cannot be separated, as justice for the victims is a primary requirement for maintaining social stability.

The government’s responsibility in handling this case is a crucial foundation for democracy. Demonstrations are part of freedom of expression, but security forces must enforce the law humanely.

The Affan Kurniawan tragedy serves as a reminder that national development is not only about economic growth or political power, but also about respect for human rights.

President Prabowo Subianto, through his firm stance, emphasized a policy direction that not only demands accountability from officials but also encourages the public to maintain peace.