Indonesians Abroad Protest Police Repression,Demand Systemic Change
LONDON & PARIS,September 6,2025 – Indonesian citizens in London and Paris held demonstrations Friday,September 5th,protesting what they describe as police repression,corruption,and a deepening democracy crisis within Indonesia. The protests are part of a growing international movement calling for systemic change and greater accountability from the Indonesian government.
In London, demonstrators organized by the collective “London Bergerak” joined a wider international solidarity effort coordinated by the International Committee of indonesia Bergerak, encompassing diaspora communities in Australia, the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Poland, Switzerland, Canada, Norway, and Denmark.The demonstrations reflect mounting frustration over economic hardship, perceived government indifference, and alleged abuses of power.
Protesters highlighted recent economic difficulties, including a wave of layoffs and declining purchasing power, contrasted sharply with a recent increase in salaries and allowances for members of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) to over Rp100 million per month. Concerns were also raised regarding proposed new tax schemes, including a potential tax on social media, and recent comments by Finance Minister Sri Mulyani questioning the government’s duty for low teacher salaries.The Paris exhibition, held from 2 to 4 p.m.,took a particularly poignant turn with the creation of a makeshift grave adorned with the inscription “Democracy.” demonstrators faced the grave,displaying posters outlining their grievances and demands,and positioned photos of ten individuals who have been victims of violence by authorities and during riots behind it.
Following prayers and a rendition of the Indonesian national anthem, participants each placed a rose on the makeshift grave. Indonesian actress Asmara abigail contributed by reciting a poem, and the demonstration concluded with a collective singing of the song “Syukur.”
The protests underscore a growing movement, dubbed #ResetIndonesia, advocating for systemic changes to combat corruption and address economic inequalities that disproportionately affect the Indonesian people. These demonstrations signal a broadening of the struggle for justice and democracy beyond Indonesia’s national borders.
