In a move to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad, the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta has issued a warning for Singaporeans in Indonesia to avoid areas witnessing anti-government protests and large public gatherings. The advisory came on August 30 as tensions simmered following a tragic incident.

The embassy emphasized the importance of vigilance, encouraging Singaporeans to monitor local news and follow directives from Indonesian authorities. Travelers were also advised to register their whereabouts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to keep in touch with family and friends back home, ensuring their safety is known.

This unrest can be traced back to the tragic death of a motorcycle taxi driver, Mr. Affan Kuniawan, who was killed after being struck by a police vehicle on August 28. His death has sparked outrage and became a rallying point for public frustration against police brutality.

By August 30, demonstrations had erupted in several cities beyond Jakarta, including Yogyakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, and Medan, reflecting widespread discontent. President Prabowo Subianto, who is just under a year into his presidency, is now facing one of his most significant challenges yet.

In an effort to quell the unrest, President Prabowo has called for calm, initiated an investigation into the driver's death, and met with Kuniawan's family to express condolences. This crisis highlights the delicate balance the newly-elected leader must maintain as he pursues aggressive economic reforms amidst public dissatisfaction with recent budget cuts and the controversial implementation of his free meal initiative.