Indonesia is grappling with escalating anti-government protests across the nation, fueled by public anger over economic hardship, corruption allegations, and policies perceived to favor the elite. Demonstrations have intensified in recent weeks, culminating in violent clashes in the capital, Jakarta, and a reported fatality, signaling a deepening crisis for President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.
On august 25, thousands of student protesters clashed with riot police as they attempted to storm the parliament building in Jakarta. The demonstration was a direct response to a lavish housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (approximately $3,075) per month granted to 580 members of the house of representatives since september 2024. This figure stands in stark contrast to the national average income of 3.1 million rupiah, infuriating a populace struggling with economic difficulties. Security forces, numbering over 1,200, deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds, while demonstrators retaliated by throwing rocks and setting fires, causing major road blockages. While police have not officially detailed casualties from the recent clash, reports have emerged of at least one death during the wider protest movement, with a demonstrator reportedly being run over by a Mobile Brigade Corps vehicle.
The anger is not confined to the capital. President Prabowo’s proposed 25% cut to regional funding for the 2026 budget has ignited further unrest. Local governments argue the cuts, which would reduce the budget to 650 trillion rupiah ($40 billion), will force them to implement significant local tax hikes to maintain essential services. This has already led to violent protests in regions like Central Java and Sulawesi, where citizens are resisting the increased tax burden. Critics argue the policy undermines regional autonomy and disproportionately harms poorer areas reliant on central government funds.
In a unique expression of dissent, protesters have adopted the Jolly Roger flag from the popular anime "One Piece" as a symbol of their movement. The trend, which began with truck drivers and went viral around Indonesia’s independence day on august 17, has become a widespread emblem of dissatisfaction with the government. Participants contend it is not an unpatriotic act but a statement of their love for the country and profound disappointment in its leadership, which they accuse of elitism, corruption, and economic mismanagement.
The protests are also a reaction against the growing influence of the military in civilian life, spurred by the Indonesian National Armed Forces Law that has increased the number of civilian government positions open to soldiers. The core demands of the protesters remain consistent: a salary cut for parliamentarians, an end to what they see as systemic corruption, and a government that prioritizes the welfare of ordinary citizens over conglomerates and political elites.
In response to the growing unrest, the Indonesian government has taken steps to control the narrative online. Deputy communications minister Angga Raka Prabowo announced that officials had summoned representatives from major social media companies, including Meta and TikTok. The government is demanding more proactive moderation of "harmful content," such as disinformation and material deemed to be fueling public disorder, threatening non-compliant platforms with fines or suspension.