Indonesia Faces Protests and Crackdown Over New Laws and Economic Concerns
Recent protests in Indonesia have resulted in at least 10 deaths and over 3,000 arrests as police crack down on demonstrators voicing opposition to controversial new legislation and growing economic inequality. the protests, largely centered in Jakarta, have sparked concerns about freedom of expression and police conduct.
Andreas Harsono, an Indonesia researcher at Human Rights Watch, noted that president Joko Widodo (often referred to as “Jokowi” or “Abowo” in the transcript – clarified as Widodo) appeared confident in the support of the military and police to manage the unrest. Despite canceling a scheduled meeting in Shanghai on economic affairs, Widodo attended a military parade in Beijing, meeting with world leaders including President xi jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong-un. Harsono stated Widodo “ordered to take strict measure against rioters, although he also promised freedom of expression, peaceful, can still be guaranteed in Indonesia.”
A key catalyst for the protests is public anger over perceived economic injustices. Lawmakers’ housing allowances alone are reportedly ten times the minimum wage in Indonesia, a disparity that has fueled resentment. Moreover, increased taxes - including property and added-value taxes – are being levied on citizens while concerns grow that political parties prioritize their own lifestyles over accountability to their constituents.
The death of a motorcycle taxi driver in Jakarta has become a potent symbol of the economic hardships faced by many Indonesians. Millions rely on such part-time or full-time work to supplement their income, and the driver’s death has ignited outrage among his peers across the country.
Harsono emphasized that “the underlying issue is economic inequality.” He explained that people are “angry because their taxes are being increased… But at the same time, they see that the political parties are more concerned about their lifestyle and also are more afraid to their party bosses, other than to be accountable to their respective constituencies.”
Human rights Watch has released a report calling for an end to the crackdown on protesters and investigating the excessive use of force, including tear gas, against demonstrators.
