In Jakarta, hundreds of women joined protests this week, marching with pink outfits and broomsticks to demand reform and accountability. The demonstrations, which spread from the capital to other cities, grew in intensity as people voiced anger over the rising cost of living and perks for lawmakers.

Despite a tense start, the protests continued peacefully in many parts of the country. Yet, violence erupted at times, especially when a police vehicle struck a motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan. This tragedy marked a turning point for many demonstrators and drew in more people to the streets.

Protests continue in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta

President Prabowo Subianto announced a plan to roll back some perks for lawmakers, aiming to calm the public. However, critics say symbolic reforms aren’t enough. They want real changes in governance, economic policy, and the rule of law. The IWA, a coalition of women’s groups and civil society organizations, says the color pink signals bravery, while other protesters wore green in solidarity with Affan’s uniform.

The protests have drawn international attention. The United Nations’ human rights office called for prompt, thorough, and transparent investigations into the handling of demonstrations in Jakarta. Amnesty International Indonesia stressed the need for meaningful dialogue to prevent more casualties.

As the demonstrations enter their second week, analysts note a broader call for accountability and transparency. The public’s frustration is rooted not just in prices, but in long-standing concerns about inequality and governance. Protesters insist that reforms must reach ordinary citizens, including agriculture, education, and job opportunities.

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The government has responded with caution, promising reforms and more open dialogue. Still, many participants say the changes must go deeper. They want a more accountable, transparent, and people-centered governance model that can withstand future economic and social pressures.

What’s next? Observers expect continued street action, with strategies shifting as organizers test different approaches to dialogue and reform. The situation remains fluid, and authorities say they are committed to peaceful demonstrations while protecting public safety.

Why this matters: Indonesia is at a crossroads. The way it handles protests now could influence the country’s political stability, economic policy, and international reputation in the years ahead.

Additional context

• The IWA represents a broad coalition of women’s organizations, labor unions, indigenous communities, and human rights groups. Their symbol, pink, is meant to convey bravery and a push for reform.
• The colour green has appeared as a sign of solidarity with Affan’s rideshare company, linking the protests to everyday life and workers’ rights.
• The debate over perks for lawmakers is part of a wider conversation about governance, transparency, and how public funds are spent.

What readers are saying

• “Protests are not crimes; they’re democratic rights,” said a participant.
• Analysts point out that while some reforms are welcome, deeper structural changes are needed to address inequality and accountability.

Key quote

• “Symbolic changes are important, but people expect deeper reforms, particularly in areas that affect ordinary citizens,” said a veteran activist.
• “The space for dialogue must be real and accessible to all,” warned the National Human Rights Commission chair.