Protests erupted across several Indonesian cities on Friday in anger at the death of a motorcycle taxi driver hit by a police vehicle, as officers responded with tear gas and the president called for calm.

Violent clashes had already broken out between protesters and police in the capital Jakarta on Thursday over low wages and perceived lavish perks for lawmakers, as public discontent simmers over the government's handling of the economy.

The police response to the protests drew strong criticism after videos circulated on social media showing a black tactical vehicle running over a man.

President Prabowo Subianto urged calm, promising an investigation into the death of gig motorcycle driver Affan Kurniawan.

But angry Indonesians massed hours later outside the paramilitary police unit they blame for Affan Kurniawan's death, throwing firecrackers at its headquarters in Jakarta.

While hundreds watched on waving Indonesian flags, a group of protesters tried to tear down the headquarter gates of the unit known for its heavy-handed tactics, and successfully pulled a sign from the building's facade in chaotic scenes.

The week's protests were the most violent since Prabowo took office in October, and mark an early challenge for the president who has pledged fast, state-driven growth.

But some of his policies, including widespread budget cuts announced this year to fund his flagship free meal programme for schoolchildren and a new sovereign wealth fund, have sparked public discontent.

In front of the Jakarta police headquarters, hundreds defiantly stood in the pouring rain, throwing firecrackers.

Police shouted through megaphones demanding they stop throwing objects and go home, accusing the crowd of launching rocks and Molotov cocktails.

Protests also spread to other major cities in Indonesia, including Surabaya in East Java and Medan in North Sumatra province.

Hundreds of drivers, many dressed in their signature green and black jackets, hurled objects at the local headquarters in both cities.

Hundreds also rallied on Thursday near the Indonesian parliament in Jakarta over issues including hefty pay for lawmakers, whose monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (US$3,000) is nearly 10 times the minimum wage in Jakarta.

Labour groups demanded better pay and for the government to take action against recent mass layoffs of workers. (AFP)