Indonesian Protests Continue as Death Toll Mounts, Calls for Military Withdrawal Grow
Jakarta, Indonesia – September 3, 2025 – Demonstrations continued across Indonesia today, with approximately 300 members of the Indonesian Women’s Alliance (API) rallying outside parliament in Jakarta, demanding an end to state violence and the withdrawal of the military from civilian security roles. The protests stem from a week of unrest sparked by the death of a motorcycle taxi driver on August 28th, who was fatally struck by an armoured police vehicle during demonstrations in Jakarta.The initial incident ignited widespread anger, quickly escalating into nationwide protests fueled by grievances over low wages, rising taxes, and perceived inequities in lawmakers’ compensation. President Prabowo Subianto has already reversed plans to increase parliamentary benefits in response to the public outcry, and has authorized police and military action against rioting and looting, following attacks on state buildings and the homes of political figures.
Clashes between protesters and authorities continued Tuesday in Bandung, where police deployed tear gas and rubber bullets near university campuses, bringing the confirmed death toll to at least ten.
API leaders at Wednesday’s Jakarta rally directly appealed to President Subianto, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and National Armed Forces Commander Agus Subiyanto to immediately withdraw troops currently deployed alongside police in security operations. They also called for the resignation of National Police Chief Listyo Sigit and the unconditional release of all individuals detained without formal charges.
The alliance strongly condemned the suppression of dissent, urging authorities to cease targeting citizens, activists, journalists, and legal aid workers, and to release all those currently held. They reiterated the basic right of Indonesians to peaceful assembly, association, and protest without fear of intimidation or violence.
Amnesty International has issued a strong condemnation of the government’s response, with Deputy Regional Research Director Montse Ferrer stating, “The increasing number of deaths from the crackdown on protests in Jakarta and other regions in Indonesia is alarming.Nobody should die while exercising their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
