JAKARTA - Indonesian authorities seeking to quell nationwide anti-government protests on Sept 3 fired a police officer involved in the death of a bystander during unrest in Jakarta last week.

Led by students, workers and rights groups, protests since last week over police violence and state spending priorities have spread round the world's third-largest democracy after

a police vehicle hit and killed a motorcycle taxi driver.

Ten people have died in the demonstrations, which have sparked some looting and rioting and been met with tear gas and rubber bullets.

National police spokesperson Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said Cosmas Kaju Gae, one of seven detained officers from the vehicle that ran over the motorcycle driver, was “dishonourably” fired after an ethics hearing due to “unprofessionalism”.

Cosmas, who had been in the front seat of the vehicle, was seen in tears in a video of the hearing, saying he never intended to kill anyone and was only doing his job.

He said he was considering an appeal.

With protesters demanding wide accountability, the fate of the other six officers is yet to be determined.

In another nod to their demands, President Prabowo Subianto said at the weekend that lawmakers’ substantial perks, including housing and travel allowances, would be cut.