Thousands of protesters gathered outside the Jakarta parliament office in Indonesia on Monday, calling for the resignation of the country’s longtime president and a more equitable share of the national budget. The mass protest, which drew an estimated 10,000 people, was one of the largest in recent years in the country. The protesters, a diverse mix of students, workers, and activists, converged on the office building in the morning, determined to make their voices heard. Many wore masks and held signs with slogans such as “Down with Jokowi!” and “Fair Distribution of the National Budget.”
The protesters’ demands were focused on the government’s handling of the national budget, which they claim has favored the wealthy and neglected the needs of the poor. The government’s decision to allocate a significant portion of the budget towards infrastructure projects and subsidies for big corporations has sparked widespread outrage. “I’m here because I’m tired of being treated as a second-class citizen,” said one protester, a young woman from Jakarta. “The government has failed to address the growing income inequality in this country, and it’s time for President Jokowi to take responsibility.”
The protesters carried homemade signs and banners, some of which read “No to Privatization” and “People Over Profit.” They chanted slogans and sang songs, their voices echoing through the crowded streets outside the parliament building. The protest was largely peaceful, with police present to maintain order but not intervening unless absolutely necessary. Traffic in the surrounding area was affected, and some businesses were forced to close early as a result of the gathering.
Thousands March on Indonesian Parliament in Demand for Change (Image via Getty)
The government has faced mounting criticism in recent months over its handling of the economy and the perceived lack of accountability among its leaders. The country’s highest court has also been dealing with a major corruption scandal involving several high-ranking officials. The protests outside the parliament building mark a significant escalation in the growing discontent among Indonesia’s citizens. With elections scheduled for 2024, the country’s leaders may face intense pressure to address the concerns of the protesters and deliver on their promises of reform.
As the protesters gathered outside the parliament building, their message was clear: it’s time for change in Indonesia. “We won’t be silenced,” said a protester from the Indonesian Student Alliance. “We demand a better future for our country, and we will fight until we get it.” For now, the protesters remain determined to be heard, and their message is clear: Indonesia’s leaders must take responsibility for the country’s economic and social problems.
