TANGERANG – AWAL Institute expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the late Affan Kurniawan, an online motorcycle taxi driver who died after being run over by a tactical police vehicle during the chaos.

AWAL Institute is also deeply concerned about the tragic incident that occurred during the mass protest on the night of August 28, 2025.

“We are extremely angry and strongly condemn the violent actions that led to the loss of an innocent civilian’s life. This tragedy should not have happened and serves as an alarm to all of us about the importance of professionalism among officers when handling mass protests,”

It supports the statement by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, who expressed deep disappointment over this incident and urged that the case be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators be given the heaviest possible punishment.

“We appreciate the quick steps taken by the police who have secured seven Mobile Brigade Corps members involved in the incident for further investigation,”

According to the statement, AWAL Institute encourages a transparent legal process and firm enforcement of justice so that similar incidents do not recur in the future.

Remain Calm and Vigilant

“On the other hand, I call on all members of society to remain calm and vigilant. Let us not allow our anger and sadness over this tragedy to be exploited by irresponsible parties who wish to divide national unity for their narrow agendas,”

All provocations that could potentially pit Indonesians against each other must be collectively rejected. The statement calls on the nation’s people to remain united and not be provoked. It also notes the possibility of organized efforts behind the chaos that occurred.

It is reasonable to suspect that there is a hidden scenario or intelligence operation deliberately created by parties whose “interests are disturbed” by the current government’s policies, to provoke horizontal conflict within society and create instability.

“If there truly are intellectual actors behind the scenes orchestrating the chaos, then we must be even more vigilant so as not to be deceived by their divide-and-conquer tactics. And of course, we hope the relevant authorities will immediately take measured and targeted actions,”

Furthermore, AWAL Institute reminds the public not to easily believe information circulating on social media without verification. Amid the tense situation, various issues and false news (hoaxes) have emerged that have the potential to provoke public emotions.

The spread of such disinformation is clearly a provocative tactic by irresponsible individuals to sow fear and worsen the situation.

Be Wise in Responding to News

“Therefore, we urge the public to be wiser in responding to every piece of news. Filter information before sharing, check its truth, and refer to trusted sources,”

The statement also appreciates the calls from various national figures urging the public to remain calm, not be provoked, and maintain national unity in facing this event.

AWAL Institute aligns with these calls and emphasizes the importance of synergy among all elements. From the government, authorities, community leaders, media, to ordinary citizens, to maintain social calm and harmony.

“This tragedy should serve as a reminder to strengthen our solidarity as children of the nation,”