Indonesian Students Protest Parliament Over Police Violence

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

On September 4, 2025, students in Indonesia gathered outside the parliament building in Jakarta to protest against police violence and government spending priorities. The demonstration was part of a series of protests across the country that began the previous week after a tragic incident involving a police vehicle.

The vehicle struck and killed a motorcycle taxi driver, sparking outrage among the public and igniting nationwide protests.

The protests are not only about the driver’s death but also reflect wider frustration with the government. Many Indonesians feel the government is not doing enough to protect citizens and that public money is being misused. Students and workers have taken a strong stance, calling for accountability, fair governance, and reforms in both the police force and government spending.

Background of the Protests

The protests were organized mainly by BEM SI, short for Badan Eksekutif Mahasiswa Seluruh Indonesia, which is a coalition of student organizations from across Indonesia. Alongside students, many workers’ unions and human rights groups joined the protests to express solidarity.

The demonstrators highlighted several critical issues:

Police Violence
The death of the motorcycle taxi driver was a major trigger. Protesters say the police have used excessive force not just during this incident but in other demonstrations as well. Many feel that the police are targeting citizens unfairly, and the government is not holding them accountable.

Government Spending Priorities
Students criticized the government for spending large sums of money on lawmakers’ benefits, while many ordinary Indonesians struggle to afford basic needs. They demanded a review of spending priorities, insisting that public funds should be used to improve education, healthcare, and infrastructure, rather than enriching politicians.

Corruption and Legal Concerns
BEM SI leaders argued that the protests are a response to corruption and the misuse of power rather than just dissatisfaction with individual incidents. They highlighted that laws are sometimes applied unequally, with politicians and powerful people receiving preferential treatment. This lack of fairness has led to widespread distrust of government institutions.

Scale and Impact of the Protests

The protests spread quickly across Indonesia, showing that this is not just a local problem but a national concern. Students, workers, and rights groups across multiple cities staged demonstrations.

However, some of these protests escalated into violent clashes. Security forces tried to control crowds, leading to rioting and looting in certain areas. Reports from human rights organizations indicated that at least 10 people were killed, and over 1,000 were injured during the unrest.

The violence has drawn criticism from both domestic and international observers. Human rights groups are particularly concerned about the treatment of civilians and the use of force by the police. The situation has created a sense of fear among residents, especially in cities where protests were the largest.

Despite the danger, students continued their demonstrations, demanding that the government take responsibility. Many protesters argued that fleeing from the problem would not solve anything. Instead, they chose to stand up for justice and call for real changes in governance.

Government Response and Unfulfilled Promises

In response to the protests, government officials tried to engage with student leaders. The Deputy House Speaker offered a meeting with government representatives to discuss the concerns raised by protesters.

However, BEM SI leader Muzammil Ihsan said there had been no follow-up to the invitation. This lack of communication frustrated the demonstrators and led to criticism that the government was ignoring student demands.

Workers from the union Gebrak also expressed support for the students. They said that they would join the protests if their demands were not addressed, including the release of detained demonstrators.

The stalled dialogue highlights a growing disconnect between the government and ordinary citizens. Students feel that their voices are not being heard, while the government has been slow to respond to legitimate concerns about police conduct and public spending.

Broader Implications of the Protests

The ongoing protests pose a serious challenge to President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, which has been in power for almost a year. The unrest reflects deep-rooted issues in Indonesian society, such as:

• Police Accountability: Many citizens question whether law enforcement can act fairly and justly.
• Government Spending: There is growing resentment about how taxpayer money is used.
• Political Transparency: The public is demanding more openness and fairness in politics.

These protests are a test for the government’s ability to respond to public anger and restore trust. How officials handle the situation could affect political stability in the coming months.

Social and Economic Context

Indonesia faces economic pressures, and ordinary citizens feel the impact of rising prices, unemployment, and inflation. The government’s spending on politicians’ benefits during these hardships has been seen as unfair and out of touch.

Students and workers argue that the government should focus on social welfare, including better schools, healthcare services, and job opportunities. They believe that public money should help the people, not just those in power.

The protests also reflect a younger generation’s rising political awareness. Students are increasingly willing to challenge authority and demand transparency. This shift shows that Indonesian youth are actively participating in shaping the country’s future.

National and International Reactions

The protests have caught attention within Indonesia and abroad. Human rights organizations have condemned excessive use of force and called for peaceful dialogue. International media and advocacy groups have highlighted the students’ demands for justice, fairness, and proper spending.

At the same time, some government officials have tried to downplay the protests, emphasizing law and order. This tension between authorities and citizens shows the complexity of governance in Indonesia and the challenges of balancing security with civil liberties.

The Path Forward

For the protests to lead to meaningful change, there needs to be constructive dialogue between the government and student leaders. Officials must listen to public concerns and take action on police reform, fair spending, and transparency.

Student organizations like BEM SI have shown that organized civic action can influence national policy. Their ability to mobilize people and bring attention to issues demonstrates the power of youth activism in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, unions like Gebrak are showing that solidarity across different social groups—students, workers, and citizens—can strengthen public demands and create pressure for reform.

Potential Outcomes

• If the government responds effectively, it could restore public trust and prevent further unrest. This would involve:
• Holding police accountable for violent incidents.
• Reviewing government budgets and reducing unnecessary spending on politicians.
• Engaging with student leaders and civil society organizations to ensure transparency and fairness.

However, if the government ignores the protests or fails to act, tensions could escalate further, leading to more clashes, social unrest, and possibly wider political instability.

The Indonesian student protests on September 4, 2025, highlight the importance of accountability, transparency, and fairness in governance. The demonstrations are not just about one incident or one group—they represent widespread public dissatisfaction with law enforcement, government spending, and political management.

Students, workers, and rights groups have shown that collective action can bring attention to critical issues. The government’s response in the coming days and weeks will determine whether Indonesia can address public concerns effectively or whether unrest will continue to grow.

As the situation evolves, it is clear that peaceful dialogue, reform, and responsiveness are essential for maintaining social and political stability in Indonesia.

student protests