Indonesia’s wave of anti-government protests entered its second week with a striking new image: hundreds of women dressed in pink, carrying broomsticks, and marching to the national parliament.
Organised by the Indonesian Women’s Alliance (IWA), the demonstration brought together nearly 90 grassroots organisations under the banner of solidarity against state excesses, police abuses, and worsening economic hardship. Protesters said the broomsticks symbolised their determination to “sweep away the dirt of the state, militarism and police repression.”
Honour in Pink and Green
The women chose pink to symbolise bravery, while green appeared across the march as a tribute to Affan Kurniawan, a young motorcycle taxi driver whose death at the hands of police sparked outrage. He was killed after being run over by a police vehicle during earlier protests. Demonstrators carried placards demanding police reform and accountability.
Growing Anger, Harsh Crackdown
The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation reported that at least 10 people have died since protests began in late August, while more than 1,000 others were hospitalised. The UN Human Rights Office has called for “prompt, thorough, and transparent investigations” into allegations of excessive force, and Amnesty International Indonesia has urged the government to respond to protesters’ demands before further bloodshed occurs.
National Human Rights Commission chair Anis Hidayah said public space for dissent “seems to be available but not easily accessible,” noting increasing repression despite constitutional guarantees.
Government on the Defensive
President Prabowo Subianto attempted to calm the unrest by pledging to roll back lavish perks for lawmakers. But critics dismissed the move as symbolic. Herianto, a former central co-ordinator for the All-Indonesian Students’ Union, said:
“Symbolic changes are important, but people expect deeper reforms, particularly in areas that affect ordinary citizens such as agricultural policy, education and fair economic opportunities.”
With anger still swelling over living costs, police brutality, and inequality, protesters vowed to continue demonstrations until meaningful reforms are achieved.
