Indonesia’s Unrest Since August 25: Protests, Demands, and Government Response

Introduction

Since August 25, 2025, Indonesia has been facing its most widespread wave of demonstrations in recent years. What started as protests against lawmakers’ perks quickly grew into a nationwide movement involving students, labor unions, and everyday citizens. The protests reflect deep frustrations about inequality, political privilege, and economic hardship.

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The Spark of the Movement

The protests were initially triggered by public outrage over a 50 million rupiah monthly housing allowance for members of parliament. Students and civil society groups saw this as a symbol of elite privilege while ordinary Indonesians were struggling with rising living costs, job cuts, and new tax burdens.

Tensions escalated after Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, was killed on August 28 when a police tactical vehicle ran him over during demonstrations. His death became a rallying point, uniting different groups under a shared demand for justice and reform.


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Escalation Across the Country

By the end of August, protests had spread to more than 30 provinces, turning into one of the largest demonstrations since 1998. Protesters not only demanded the cancellation of lawmakers’ perks but also called for:

An end to corruption and abuse of public funds

Greater government accountability

Reduction of inequality and tax burdens

Transparency in law enforcement


In several regions, protests turned violent. Public buildings were damaged, regional legislatures were burned, and some officials’ homes were looted.


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Government Response

President Prabowo Subianto tried to ease public anger by announcing the suspension of the housing allowance and other parliamentary perks such as overseas trips. However, the government also deployed heavy security forces, including military units in Jakarta.

Police responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and even live ammunition in some areas. This crackdown left several people dead, thousands injured, and over 3,400 people arrested, including minors. Human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch condemned the excessive use of force and called for independent investigations.


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The 17+8 Demands

As the protests grew, demonstrators began uniting their voices through a document known as the “17+8 Demands.” These 25 points outlined both short- and long-term reforms, including:

Investigating deaths and violence during protests

Releasing detained protesters

Stopping military involvement in civil security

Ensuring democratic rights such as freedom of speech and assembly


This document has become a symbol of the movement’s broader push for justice and reform.


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Women and Civil Society Leadership

Women’s groups have played a major role in sustaining the protests. They gathered in front of parliament to denounce state violence and demanded an end to military deployment in civilian life. Their involvement highlights how the movement has gone beyond student activism, becoming a cross-society struggle.


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Conclusion

The events since August 25, 2025, show how quickly a single issue—politicians’ perks—can ignite wider discontent when combined with economic inequality and political frustration.

Indonesia now stands at a crossroads:

The government can choose meaningful reform and dialogue,

Or continue relying on security crackdowns that risk further escalation.


What is clear is that this movement has awakened a new wave of civic activism in Indonesia, one that could reshape the country’s political and social landscape in the years to come.