The citizens of the world’s third-largest democracy are increasingly showing their anger at their civil and political elites as the protests continue to spread across Indonesia. Thousands of uni students have been taking to the streets of Indonesia under the banner of the “Dark Indonesia” movement. Combined, their efforts illuminate the widening wealth chasm between everyday people and the elite. The catalyst for this discontent stems from President Prabowo Subianto’s newly formed cabinet, which boasts an unprecedented 48 ministers and 55 vice ministers—nearly double the size of his predecessor Joko Widodo’s administration.
Discontent has reached a boiling point, as many Indonesians believe politicians such as Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka are disconnected from the people. That counts Jokowi’s son, who is currently vice president. This mounting frustration is further highlighted by data showing that almost 10 million Gen Z Indonesians are still jobless. Outrage at the lavish salaries and benefits received by their parliamentarians has exacerbated this concern. As a consequence, citizens are calling for an end to the deep-seated political status quo.
Protests and Public Demands
The extent of the protests in Indonesia has in fact been enormous, with more than 2,300 demonstrations already registered so far in 2023 alone. Many of these protests have focused on the controversial Job Creation Law, enacted in 2020, intended to improve labor conditions but criticized for favoring corporate interests. Protesters are calling for ratification of a legislative package which would allow the government to confiscate assets from convicted corrupt officials.
The “Dark Indonesia” movement has brought students to the streets, expressing fears that their middle class is disappearing. During one rally, an Indonesian student stated:
“We don’t just want apologies, or for certain officials to be suspended.”
Americans are hungry for accountability from their powerful interests. Frustrations are boiling over entrenched power-playing that puts political expediency above what’s best for the people.
“We are demanding real change in the government, the real reform.”
The public’s anger is rooted in a deep-seated perception of favoritism within Indonesia’s political landscape. What is a mystery to observers every year is how politicians are more focused on protecting their privilege and not doing what the people elected them to do. Ken Setiawan from the University of Melbourne’s Asia Institute remarked on this dynamic:
Growing Frustration with Political Elites
In response to these frustrations, many citizens no longer see anything beyond street protest as a viable method of bringing about tangible change. Setiawan further explained:
“The people in power are loyal to one another for their political gain rather than being accountable to the people they were supposed to serve.”
President Subianto has made strong commitments to fight corruption and government inefficiency.
“Therefore, there is no other option for them than to go to the street, because there are no other avenues.”
To improve transparency and accountability, Subianto has promised to renegotiate or revoke special privileges held by parliamentarians. Yet still, many constituents do not believe these actions are sufficient to realize real reform.
“I will face any mafia, no matter how powerful. I will face it in the name of the people. I’m determined to eradicate corruption, no matter how powerful they are. By God, I will not back down even a step,” he declared.
The recent riots represent a turning point in Indonesia’s political landscape, as they mark some of the largest civil disturbances since the end of Suharto’s dictatorship. For the first time in Indonesia’s democratic history, mobs have looted the homes of several members of parliament, underscoring the depth of public anger.
Unprecedented Violence and Political Response
Reacting to these incidents, President Subianto brought all party heads together after rioting broke out across several cities. The catalyst for the rest is rooted in visible, persistent public anger at unaddressed inequalities. Communities are rightfully angry and feel let down by the very lawmakers on whom they relied to deliver on their legislative commitments.
Social media has made these complaints more visible and more viral. Expanding coalitions Viral hashtags such as #bubarkanDPR (bubarkan DPR, dissolve the parliament) are calling politicians to put the interests of ordinary people above their own self-interest.
As protests continue and calls for reform grow louder, it remains to be seen how Indonesia’s political elite will respond to this wave of public discontent. This is changing rapidly though. Citizens are calling for more than lip service from their leaders. They want to see action to address systemic racism and build a more equitable society.
As protests continue and calls for reform grow louder, it remains to be seen how Indonesia’s political elite will respond to this wave of public discontent. The situation is evolving rapidly as citizens demand not only apologies from their leaders but tangible changes that address systemic issues and foster a more equitable society.
