Indonesia protests erupt after driver killed by police vehicle

Jakarta: Protests erupted across several Indonesian cities on Friday in anger at the death of a motorcycle taxi driver hit by a police vehicle, as off...

Jakarta: Protests erupted across several Indonesian cities on Friday in anger at the death of a motorcycle taxi driver hit by a police vehicle, as officers responded with tear gas and the president called for calm.

Violent clashes had already broken out between protesters and police in the capital Jakarta on Thursday over low wages and perceived lavish perks for lawmakers, as public discontent simmers over the government's handling of the economy.

The police response to the protests drew strong criticism after videos circulated on social media showing a black tactical vehicle running over a man.

President Prabowo Subianto urged calm on Friday, promising an investigation into the death of gig motorcycle driver Affan Kurniawan.

But angry Indonesians massed hours later outside the paramilitary police unit they blame for Affan Kurniawan's death, throwing firecrackers at its headquarters in Jakarta.