Jakarta Police Increase Patrols Amid Ongoing Protests
Jakarta, Indonesia – Jakarta Police announced today, September 6, 2025, an increase in daily patrols throughout the city following a recent wave of protests. The bolstered security measures come as demonstrators continue to call for revisions to newly passed laws and address broader economic concerns, some of which were outlined in the “17+8 People’s Demands,” a list of grievances with a partial deadline of today.
The protests, which escalated in August 2025 following the death of ride-hailing driver affan Kurniawan, reflect deep-seated frustrations over economic inequality and perceived elite disconnect.A recent analysis by the Monash Data and Democracy Research Hub found that nearly 30% of online conversations surrounding the protests were classified as “toxic,” indicating a notable level of social polarization. The research team analyzed nearly 10 million digital conversations, revealing a tension between privileged groups and the working/middle classes.
Police officials have not specified the exact number of additional officers deployed, but stated the increased visibility is intended to maintain public order and prevent further escalation. The “17+8 People’s Demands” include calls for affordable basic necessities and revisions to laws perceived as detrimental to workers’ rights – demands that have resonated with a broad segment of the population. “This polarization stems from the tension between privileged groups, political elites, officials, and economic stakeholders versus the vulnerable working and middle classes,” said Derry Wijaya, Co-Director of Monash Data and Democracy Research. The situation remains fluid,with further demonstrations anticipated as long as the core demands remain unaddressed.
