Uncovering the reasons for the fatal demonstrations in Indonesia

Indonesia Protests: Violence, Arrests, and Calls for Reforms

Last week, Indonesia witnessed a series of mass protests that turned violent in the capital city, Jakarta. The unrest erupted after a delivery driver was run over by an elite paramilitary police vehicle.

The demonstrations, which have been ongoing since Thursday, have seen a collective movement take shape through social media and street demonstrations. The protesters are demanding comprehensive reforms, including a transparent parliament, effective measures against corruption, strengthening human rights institutions, and the withdrawal of the military from civilian tasks. They are also expressing their discontent with social inequality, corruption, militarization, and distrust in President Prabowo Subianto's government.

According to reports, at least eight people have died, hundreds have been injured, and over 1,240 people have been arrested in Jakarta. Troops were stationed in several other cities, including Surabaya, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Makassar. Military personnel have been conducting night patrols, particularly in areas frequently used for protests.

President Prabowo has taken firm action against individuals involved in violence during the demonstrations, instructing the Indonesian National Police and the Indonesian National Armed Forces to take necessary steps. He has also pledged to promote police officers who were injured while securing the demonstrations. However, his actions of siding with repressive forces by granting privileges and high praise to police and military personnel have further angered civilians.

The protests have carried several demands, including a call to cancel the proposed increase in allowances for members of parliament. Social media platforms have been flooded with posts offering free psychological counseling, medical services, legal aid, emergency contacts for missing persons, and donation channels to help meet the needs of protest participants.

The government's response to the protests has been met with criticism. Political communication expert Kunto Adi Wibowo argues that Prabowo has yet to acknowledge the structural crisis affecting society. He has also stated that the government's decision to disable TikTok's livestream feature, which had been a key platform for information-sharing and protest mobilization, is problematic.

The protests have extended beyond Indonesia's borders, reaching neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. Ordinary citizens have consistently shared messages online encouraging mutual care, rejecting racially charged provocations, verifying information, and maintaining focus on demands directed at the government.

However, the number of missing persons continues to rise, with at least 20 people reported missing according to the KontraS rights group. The situation remains tense as the protests continue, with troops stationed in Jakarta to maintain order.

The unrest in Indonesia serves as a reminder of the deep-seated issues that the society faces, including social inequality, corruption, and distrust in the government. The protests are a call for change, a call for a more transparent and accountable government, and a call for a society that values its citizens.