Date: 4 December 2025
On August 25, 2025, a large-scale demonstration took place, which eventually escalated into riots in several regions across Indonesia. This demonstration was triggered by various issues such as corruption, the granting of a housing allowance of 50 billion rupiah per month to members of the House of Representatives (DPR), the ratification of the Military Law (TNI Law) that risks reviving the dual-function practice of ABRI, expanding civilian positions for active military personnel, and threatening civilian supremacy and democracy. The government’s decision to raise taxes by 12% amid the population’s weak economic conditions further fueled public anger. Massive waves of layoffs, environmental exploitation by oligarchs, and the long-delayed ratification of the Asset Confiscation Bill by the DPR also contributed to growing frustration. The protest movement intensified following the tragic death of an online motorcycle taxi driver named Affan Kurniawan, who was run over by a police armored vehicle.
Anger spread rapidly across the country as security forces—who were supposed to protect the people—instead resorted to violence, leading to the killing of protesters. This, in turn, fueled even greater outrage. Long before the protests began, public resentment had already been building, especially after four members of parliament from the Nasdem Party mocked and ridiculed citizens who had raised legitimate questions.
Young Indonesians mobilized through several key strategies.
First, they used social media by launching campaigns containing calls to action supported by facts and data, inspiring youth across the country to take collective action. Second, they built grassroots movements that encouraged wider public participation and fundraising for the cause. Third, they held meetings and discussions that focused on issues currently faced by society. Fourth, they used art as a tool of resistance—creating murals on walls and streets, hanging banners, and displaying the “One Peace” flag as a symbol of defiance against injustice in Indonesia.
Opportunities and Challenges
In the Indonesian context, youth participation plays a vital and influential role in shaping the nation’s democracy. This is evident from the fact that nearly every major movement in Indonesia’s history has been driven by young people. The involvement of youth in political processes is also crucial, particularly in monitoring public policies to ensure they serve the interests of the people. Social media has become a powerful tool to amplify voices and spread awareness on a wide scale. However, the challenges faced today include criminalization by state authorities, discriminatory policies, and arbitrary arrests.
Members of the YDC who contributed to this section:
Lulu Musyarofah, Manager Program Suar Asa Khatulistiwa Foundation
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