Women Take the Lead in Indonesia Protests
Protests in Jakarta and several other Indonesian cities have entered their second week, drawing global attention. This time, the spotlight is on hundreds of women clad in pink, waving broomsticks as a symbol of their fight against corruption, militarism, and police repression.
The women belong to the Indonesian Women’s Alliance (IWA), a coalition of 90 organizations including labor unions, indigenous communities, and human rights groups. Their strong visual message was clear: they want to “sweep away the dirt of the state.”
Why the Protests Erupted
Photo Credit :- reuters
The protests began after the tragic death of Affan Kurniawan, a young motorcycle taxi driver who was run over by a police vehicle. This incident intensified growing frustrations over rising living costs and the lavish perks enjoyed by lawmakers.
The unrest turned more heated when President Prabowo Subianto, despite initially saying he would cancel his visit, was seen in Beijing attending China’s military parade alongside Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. This move sparked criticism, as many felt it showed a disconnect from the struggles of ordinary Indonesians.
Symbols of Resistance: Brave Pink and Hero Green
Color has become a powerful tool in this movement.
- Pink – chosen by the IWA to represent bravery.
- Green – worn in solidarity with Affan, reflecting the uniform color of his rideshare company.
On social media, these colors are spreading under the names “brave pink” and “hero green”, with profile pictures turning into symbols of unity.
Human Rights Concerns
Photo Credit :- ipleaders
Reports from Amnesty International Indonesia and the UN Human Rights Office have highlighted alleged police violence during demonstrations. At least 10 people have died since late August, and more than 1,000 have been hospitalized.
The Chairperson of Indonesia’s National Human Rights Commission, Anis Hidayah, expressed concern over the “very limited space for dialogue,” stressing that citizens’ democratic rights must be protected.
Government Response: Are the Reforms Enough?
In an attempt to ease tensions, President Prabowo announced a rollback of state-funded perks for lawmakers, including allowances. While some protesters welcomed the decision, many believe it is only a symbolic gesture.
Here’s a quick comparison of Protesters’ Demands vs. Government Actions so far:
| Protesters’ Demands | Government Actions |
|---|---|
| Reduce inequality and cost of living pressures | Promised to roll back perks for MPs |
| Reform police practices and accountability | No significant police reforms announced |
| Fair economic opportunities and education policies | No clear long-term reforms yet |
| Transparent and people-centered governance | Symbolic cost-cutting measures implemented |
Looking Ahead
The protests in Jakarta highlight more than anger at perks or a single tragedy; they reflect long-standing frustrations with governance, inequality, and accountability. As former student leader Herianto pointed out, “Symbolic changes are important, but people expect deeper reforms.”
The movement led by women with broomsticks has now become a powerful symbol of resilience. Whether the government chooses to respond with genuine reforms or temporary concessions will determine if the unrest fades—or grows into a defining moment in Indonesia’s democratic journey.
