Women Take to the Streets with Brooms in Protest as Indonesian Leader Prabowo Heads to China

Hundreds of women donned in pink marched through the streets of Jakarta on Wednesday, brandishing broomsticks as a symbol of their protest against police brutality and government extravagance. This demonstration is part of a larger wave of protests that have erupted across Indonesia, fueled by rising living costs and perceived lavish benefits for lawmakers. The unrest escalated following the tragic death of a young motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan, who was killed by a police vehicle, igniting further outrage among citizens.

Protests Sparked by Rising Costs and Government Spending

The protests in Jakarta and other major cities have entered their second week, driven by widespread frustration over the increasing cost of living and the perceived wastefulness of government spending. Demonstrators are particularly incensed by the generous perks enjoyed by members of parliament, which they view as inappropriate amid economic struggles faced by ordinary citizens. The situation intensified after the death of Affan Kurniawan, whose tragic fate has become a rallying point for the protests.

In response to the growing unrest, President Prabowo Subianto announced he would cancel a planned trip to Beijing for a military parade, indicating the seriousness of the situation. However, he was later seen participating in a photo opportunity with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising questions about his commitment to addressing the protesters’ concerns. Over the weekend, Prabowo expressed intentions to reduce lawmakers’ perks, a key demand from the demonstrators.

Women’s Alliance Takes a Stand

The Indonesian Women’s Alliance (IWA), a coalition of 90 women’s organizations and civil society groups, played a prominent role in the protests. During the rally, participants wielded broomsticks, symbolizing their desire to “sweep away the dirt of the state, militarism, and police repression.” Protesters carried signs calling for police reform, emphasizing their belief that demonstrations are a fundamental democratic right.

Mutiara Ika, a participant in the rally, articulated the sentiment of many protesters, stating, “Protests are not crimes, but rather democratic rights inherent in every citizen.” The IWA’s choice of pink as a protest color represents bravery, while some demonstrators wore green, the color of Affan’s rideshare company uniform, to show solidarity. This movement has gained traction online, with social media users adopting the colors “hero green” and “brave pink” in support of the cause.

Calls for Accountability and Reform

The United Nations’ human rights office has urged for immediate investigations into allegations of human rights violations during the protests. Amnesty International Indonesia’s Executive Director, Usman Hamid, emphasized the need for the government to address the demands of the protesters to prevent further casualties. Reports indicate that at least ten individuals lost their lives during the recent demonstrations, with many more requiring medical attention due to police violence.

Anis Hidayah, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, expressed concern over the ongoing violence perpetrated by authorities. He highlighted the limited space for dialogue between the government and citizens, stating that while avenues for expression exist, they are not easily accessible. In an effort to quell the unrest, President Prabowo announced plans to cut certain state-funded perks for politicians, a move that has been met with mixed reactions from the public.

Demands for Deeper Reforms

While some protesters welcomed the president’s announcement, many believe it falls short of addressing the broader issues at play. Herianto, a former coordinator for the All-Indonesian Students’ Union, pointed out that the protests are not solely about perks for lawmakers but reflect long-standing concerns regarding inequality, governance, and accountability. He stressed the need for substantial reforms that impact everyday citizens, particularly in areas such as agriculture, education, and economic opportunities.

The overarching goal of the protests is to advocate for a more accountable, transparent, and citizen-focused governance system. As the demonstrations continue, the voices of the protesters resonate with a call for change that seeks to address the root causes of their grievances.

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