Protests erupted in Jakarta on August 26, 2025, centering on the Indonesian House of Representatives building, after a Brimob tactical vehicle fatally struck an online motorcycle taxi driver in Pejompongan. The incident, which triggered widespread outrage on social media, quickly escalated into intense demonstrations across the capital and caused immediate ripple effects through local financial and retail markets.
Rupiah Weakens Amid Market Volatility
Financial markets responded swiftly to the protests across Jakarta. According to Mirae Asset economist Rully Arya Wisnubroto, the rupiah exchange rate weakened slightly at the opening of trading on Friday, August 29, 2025, falling to IDR 16,354 per US dollar from the previous close of IDR 16,353. Wisnubroto noted that the 0.01 percent dip reflects both global market pressures—such as the US Dollar Index (DXY) staying above 98 for four consecutive days—and the negative domestic impact of the ongoing protests.
Major Banks Close Jakarta Branches
To protect customers and staff during the unrest, major financial institutions enacted temporary branch closures across Central Jakarta. PT Bank Central Asia Tbk. (BCA) adjusted operations by closing several locations early or entirely, including branches at Atrium, Cempaka Putih, KS Tubun, Kwitang, Otista, Penjernihan, and Senen. BCA Executive Vice President Hera F. Haryn stated that the bank adjusted to the current situation in Jakarta and advised customers to utilize digital channels such as myBCA, BCA mobile, and KlikBCA for transactions. Similarly, PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BNI) temporarily shuttered four branches: Kwitang, Pasar Senen Jaya, Senen, and RSPAD Gatot Subroto.
Retail Disruptions and Employer Safety Advisories
Commercial activity across Central Jakarta suffered significant disruptions as business groups urged caution. Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) Jakarta chairman Solihin issued an advisory recommending that shops around Central Jakarta close to prevent undesirable incidents. Solihin emphasized that safety takes precedence over business operations, noting that retailers were given the discretion to judge ground conditions independently rather than facing a mandatory shutdown. Many local retailers chose to close their doors temporarily, and several companies dismissed employees early.
Ongoing Driver Mobilization and Security Warnings
The fatal accident involving driver Affan Kurniawan galvanized transport workers, prompting the Indonesian Transportation Workers Union (SPAI) to announce further demonstrations. Lily Pujiati, head of SPAI, confirmed that additional protests are planned. Authorities have cautioned the public to steer clear of high-tension zones, including the Brimob Headquarters in Kwitang, the Polda Metro Jaya Headquarters on Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, and the Parliament Complex in Senayan, where traffic disruptions and public safety risks remain elevated.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What triggered the Jakarta protests in August 2025? Demonstrations began after a Brimob tactical vehicle fatally struck an online motorcycle taxi driver in Pejompongan on August 26, 2025.
- How did the unrest affect the Indonesian rupiah? The rupiah slipped slightly to IDR 16,354 per US dollar on August 29, 2025, driven by a combination of global dollar strength and domestic uncertainty.
- Which banks closed branches due to the demonstrations? PT Bank Central Asia Tbk. (BCA) and PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BNI) temporarily closed multiple branches in Central Jakarta, including locations in Kwitang, Senen, and Penjernihan.
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