On the evening of August 28, 2025, Jakarta was shaken by a harrowing incident that has since become a focal point of national outrage. During a demonstration near the Pejompongan area, an armoured police vehicle, known as a Barracuda, ran over and killed an online motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan. Disturbing footage circulating on social media shows the vehicle continuing to move forward, dragging the victim several metres, while bystanders attempted to intervene. The vehicle did not stop, and no immediate assistance was provided to the victim. This incident has raised serious questions about the conduct and accountability of law enforcement in Indonesia.The tragedy has ignited widespread public anger. Social media platforms have been flooded with condemnations, and civil society organisations have called for justice. The incident has highlighted long-standing issues within the police force, including excessive use of force, lack of accountability, and a perceived culture of impunity. The public's trust in law enforcement has been severely eroded, and demands for systemic reform are growing louder.International media outlets have expressed significant concern over the Barracuda incident in Jakarta, highlighting issues related to police conduct, human rights violations, and the broader implications for Indonesia's democratic institutions.
Global news organisations have reported extensively on the incident, emphasising the severity of the situation and its potential impact on Indonesia's international reputation. For instance, Al Jazeera covered the violent clashes between Indonesian police and students protesting against lawmakers' salaries, noting the use of tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators. While this coverage did not directly address the Barracuda incident, it underscores ongoing concerns about police tactics and the treatment of civilians during protests.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned police violence against journalists covering protests, highlighting incidents where journalists were assaulted and their equipment damaged by police officers. This context suggests a pattern of aggressive police behaviour that may be relevant to understanding the Barracuda incident.
Additionally, Reuters reported on acts of intimidation against the Indonesian magazine Tempo, which received mutilated animal carcasses. Such incidents point to a broader environment of hostility towards press freedom and civil society organisations, which may influence public perception of police actions.
Human rights organisations have expressed alarm over the incident, viewing it as a violation of the right to life and a breach of international human rights standards. The apparent lack of accountability and transparency in the aftermath further exacerbates concerns about systemic issues within Indonesia's law enforcement agencies.
Legal experts argue that the incident warrants a thorough investigation and appropriate legal action against those responsible. The failure to hold individuals accountable could undermine public trust in the justice system and embolden further misconduct.
In response to the incident, both domestic and international observers are calling for comprehensive reforms within Indonesia's police force. These reforms include enhanced training on human rights, the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms, and stricter accountability measures for law enforcement personnel.
International partners and human rights advocates are urging the Indonesian government to take decisive action to address the underlying issues that led to the Barracuda incident. The effectiveness of these reforms will be closely monitored by the international community.
The Barracuda incident has garnered widespread international attention, with media outlets and human rights organisations highlighting concerns about police conduct and the need for systemic reform in Indonesia's law enforcement agencies.
The Barracuda incident can be classified as a human rights violation, particularly regarding the right to life. Under international human rights standards, every individual has the fundamental right to life, safety, and security. When a law enforcement officer or institution acts in a manner that deliberately or recklessly endangers a civilian’s life—especially when there is a failure to provide aid after causing harm—it constitutes a serious breach of these rights.From a legal perspective, the act of running over a civilian and failing to render assistance can be seen as an arbitrary deprivation of life, which is prohibited under both international human rights law and Indonesia’s domestic regulations on human rights and criminal law. Moreover, the apparent impunity and lack of accountability in this case exacerbate the violation, as it signals that state actors can commit acts that endanger citizens without facing proper consequences.In short, the incident is not just a criminal act but also a violation of the fundamental human right to life, and it demands both criminal investigation and human rights accountability mechanisms.
One of the most concerning aspects of this crisis is the reluctance of Indonesian officials to step down in the face of serious allegations. In many democracies, public officials who are involved in significant controversies or failures often resign to take responsibility and preserve public trust. However, in Indonesia, such resignations are rare. Cultural and political norms often discourage officials from stepping down, even when their actions or inactions have led to public harm.This reluctance to resign is not just a matter of individual accountability but also reflects deeper issues within the political system. It suggests a lack of a robust culture of accountability and a failure to uphold the principle that public officials are ultimately responsible to the people they serve. The absence of resignations in the face of serious incidents like the Barracuda tragedy sends a troubling message: that those in power can evade responsibility without consequence.The Barracuda incident is not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern of issues within Indonesia's law enforcement and political systems. Simply issuing an apology is not sufficient in a case as serious as the Barracuda incident. While an apology may acknowledge wrongdoing and express remorse, it does not address the systemic failures, legal accountability, or the loss of life involved. The public and victims’ families require more than words—they need concrete actions such as thorough investigation, legal prosecution of those responsible, disciplinary measures, institutional reform, and steps to prevent similar tragedies in the future.In essence, an apology without meaningful action may even be perceived as superficial or insincere, potentially deepening public distrust. True accountability demands tangible measures that combine moral responsibility, legal justice, and institutional reform.
To restore public trust and ensure accountability, comprehensive reforms are necessary. These should include:
- Strengthening Oversight Mechanisms: Independent bodies should be empowered to investigate and hold law enforcement accountable for misconduct.
- Enhancing Transparency: Police operations and decision-making processes should be made more transparent to the public.
- Promoting a Culture of Accountability: Public officials should be held to high ethical standards, and there should be clear consequences for misconduct.
- Encouraging Resignations When Appropriate: Officials should be willing to step down when their actions have led to public harm, setting a precedent for accountability.
The Barracuda tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Indonesia's law enforcement and political systems. It underscores the need for urgent reforms to address issues of accountability and transparency. Only through such institutional reforms can public trust be restored and the integrity of public institutions upheld.
