Grab Group chief executive and co-founder Anthony Tan travelled from Singapore to Makassar, Indonesia, on 1 September 2025, to meet the family of a Gojek delivery rider killed during protests in Jakarta.
The visit came after 21-year-old Affan Kurniawan died when an Indonesian police Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) armoured vehicle ran over him on 28 August during a dispersal near the House of Representatives complex.
Another rider, 30-year-old Moh Umar Amarudin, suffered a broken leg, while three others were injured.
Videos circulating online appeared to show the Brimob tactical vehicle swerving towards demonstrators and bystanders.
Grab’s support to the family
According to a Grab media release, Tan, alongside senior leaders from Grab Indonesia, offered prayers and financial assistance to the rider’s grieving family.
Grab pledged to provide the family with health coverage for two years and business capital support under its GrabKios mentorship programme.
The company also committed to logistical help and continued engagement.
“The safety and security of driver-partners have always been Grab’s top priority. We are committed to being present not only when partners are working, but also when they and their families face difficult times,” Tan said in the statement.
He added that Grab would provide “tangible support, from compensation to long-term assistance programmes” and assured that heirs of deceased partners would receive sustained aid.
Tan also expressed condolences for Affan Kurniawan and extended prayers for the recovery of the other injured riders.
New Grab emergency response initiative
In response to the unrest, Grab Indonesia announced the launch of GERCEP (Grab Respon Cepat or Grab Quick Response), starting 2 September.
The integrated emergency initiative provides partners with a dedicated hotline, help centre, and livechat service, enabling direct communication with trained emergency response agents.
Cases can be escalated to a crisis management team if necessary.
Grab confirmed that all medical expenses for injured partners will be covered.
Additionally, drivers affected by protest-related cancellations will continue to receive incentives to minimise financial losses.
Public anger and police accountability
The incident near the Bendungan Hilir II flats has fuelled widespread anger among Indonesians, particularly online motorcycle taxi drivers (ojol).
Dozens gathered outside the Police Mobile Brigade Command Headquarters in Kwitang, Jakarta, demanding accountability.
Demonstrators accused police of reckless actions, with witnesses stating the vehicle intentionally swerved into crowds.
On 29 August, Inspector General Abdul Karim, Head of the National Police’s Professional and Security Division (Propam), confirmed that seven police officers operating the armoured vehicle had been detained.
He assured the public that the investigation would be conducted transparently at the Mobile Brigade Headquarters of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police.
The unrest stems from discontent over low wages and widespread criticism of parliamentary benefits perceived as excessive.
Demonstrations have taken place across major Indonesian cities since late August, with online transport drivers among the most vocal participants.
The death of Affan Kurniawan has further amplified frustrations, intensifying calls for both labour reforms and police accountability.
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