JAKARTA — An Indonesian police commission on Wednesday fired an officer after finding him guilty of an ethics breach over his role in the killing of a delivery driver that reignited anti-government protests.
Indonesian police officer fired over killing that sparked protests
The protests across Indonesia were triggered by discontent over economic inequality and lavish lawmakers’ perks, but widened when footage circulated of a paramilitary police vehicle running over and killing 21-year-old driver Affan Kurniawan on Thursday.
National police spokesman Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said officer Cosmas K. Gae had acted “unprofessionally” during the protest.
He described Cosmas’ behavior as “a reprehensible act.”

As a sanction, this required “dishonorable dismissal as a member of the national police,” Trunoyudo said in comments to reporters aired by broadcaster Kompas TV.
Indonesian media have reported that Cosmas was in the vehicle that hit Affan, but Trunoyudo gave no other details about the officer’s involvement., This news data comes from:http://qdeqmnwb.gyglfs.com
Cosmas, who has three days to appeal against the decision, said after the hearing he was only carrying out his duty to maintain public order and the safety of other officers, and that he had no intention to cause anyone’s death.
“There was no intention, honestly for God’s sake. There was no intention to cause harm to people,” he said in remarks also broadcast by Kompas TV.
Cosmas also said he only learned of Affan’s death through social media.
Police have also detained six other officers in relation to the incident.
Indonesian police officer fired over killing that sparked protests
At least 10 people were killed during the nationwide protests, the state-affiliated National Commission on Human Rights has said.
Deaths were reported in the capital Jakarta, Makassar in South Sulawesi province, and in Central Java and Papua provinces.
The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence said at least 20 people were still missing as of Monday.
The rallies across Southeast Asia’s largest economy have diminished in recent days after some of the lawmakers’ perks were revoked and the military was deployed in the capital on Monday in a show of force.
- Japan PM Ishiba bounces back in polls after election debacle
- US agents arrest 475 in Hyundai-LG plant raid
- Philippines calls for Gaza ceasefire amid humanitarian crisis
- Guyana votes amid oil boom, Venezuela tensions
- Hopes fading for Putin, Zelenskyy peace summit
- Bolsonaro verdict looms as Brazil coup trial closes
- Chinese bridge collapse kills at least 12 construction workers
- Maryland resident is diagnosed with New World screwworm. What to know about the parasite
- Konektadong Pinoy Bill has lapsed into law — Palace
- France seized by fears of new political crisis