Hundreds of online drivers gather with police in Batam to pray for solidarity and peace
Hundreds of Batam’s online motorcycle and car drivers united in prayer for the late Affan Kurniawan, an ojol driver who tragically died in Jakarta. The gathering also became a call for unity and peace across the city.
A Collective Prayer for Affan
On Friday evening, August 29, 2025, more than 500 online drivers (ojol) from various Batam communities gathered at Polresta Barelang for a prayer event in memory of Affan Kurniawan. Affan, a fellow ojol driver, died after being struck by a Brimob tactical vehicle during unrest in Jakarta.
Organized by the Ojol Community
The prayer, initiated by the Batam Online Drivers Association (ADOB) and supported by community leaders, began at 7:30 p.m. and continued after evening prayers. Participants wore their signature jackets and community shirts to honor Affan. The program featured collective dzikir and prayers led by an ustadz, concluding around 9:45 p.m.
Message of Solidarity and Restraint
ADOB chairman Djapri Rajab emphasized that the event was not only about mourning but also about reinforcing unity among Batam’s drivers. “This is our way of caring and showing solidarity. While we grieve, we must think positively and wisely. Ojol remains a vital service for the community,” he stated.
Maintaining Peace in Batam
Despite sorrow and anger over the incident, community leaders urged drivers not to be provoked into violence. “Seeing the tragedy hurt us deeply, but we trust the government and the President’s assurance of a lawful process. Indonesia is a nation of law,” said community leader Ferry Tarigan.
Police and Drivers Aligned
Polresta Barelang Chief, Kombes Pol. Zaenal Arifin, confirmed that the initiative came from the ojol community itself, with police facilitating the gathering. “We all mourn Affan’s loss, but we must carry his spirit by preserving Batam’s peace. Batam is our shared home, and this is part of our collective effort,” Zaenal remarked.
Acts of Compassion
Earlier the same day, Polresta Barelang organized a shalat ghaib (funeral prayer in absentia) and a “Jumat Berkah” program, distributing food and cakes to ojol drivers as a gesture of social solidarity. These efforts highlighted the shared grief while reinforcing harmony between law enforcement and the online driver community.
The prayer gathering for Affan Kurniawan in Batam transcended mourning, symbolizing a collective call for peace, solidarity, and trust in lawful processes. It reflected the resilience of Indonesia’s ojol community while strengthening ties between drivers and local authorities to keep Batam safe and united.
Sources: Batam Pos (2025) , Batamnews (2025)
Keywords: Batam Ojol Drivers, Affan Kurniawan Batam, Polresta Barelang Prayer, Ojol Solidarity, Batam Unity, Indonesia Online Transport
