The huge movement in Indonesia that emerged in late August appears to have simmered down, but like the revolt in Nepal, it indicates the increasing anger among the working class as the rich increase their wealth spectacularly, whilst conditions for many deteriorate.
With Nepal, the trigger was the banning of social media. With Indonesia , it was the decision to pay MPs a massive 50 million rupah per month. This translates as 3,045 US dollars, ten to twenty times that of the wages paid to many Indonesian workers. However, as in Nepal, this is only an indicator of the widespread anger among the masses over the increasing divide between the rich and the mass of the Indonesian population. Youth unemployment in Indonesia runs at 16 per cent, and many are in poorly paid jobs. Alongside this is the blatant corruption, and the raising of taxes on housing, implemented by the government to pay for its budgetary deficits.
A huge demonstration against the housing taxes, involving 100,000 people, took place in the city of Pati on August 10th and spread to other cities. The announcement of the award to MPs exacerbated matters. On August 28th, a young ride-share motorbike rider was crushed to death by an armoured police vehicle during a protest in Kuriawan on August 28th. This ignited further protests, and demonstrators confronted the police, burnt parliament buildings, and attacked the homes of leading politicians like the finance minister Sri Mulyani, who had implemented budget cuts earlier in the year. Half a dozen House of Representatives offices were attacked, and some burnt. Police stations were also attacked.
The President, Prabowo Subianto, delayed a planned visit to China, appearing at a press conference on August 31st, stating that he understood the “genuine aspirations of the public” whilst calling for calm. Meanwhile he gave the green light for the police and the armed forces to “take the strongest possible action” against demonstrators.
A mass movement developed, not just in Jakarta, but throughout Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi and West Papua. This movement included students, gig economy workers and the urban poor. At least 11 people have been killed by State forces during the course of the unrest, with over 3,000 arrests.
The revolt has subsided, although actions are still taking place. Hundreds of women marched to Parliament in Jakarta holding brooms to “sweep away the dirt of the State, militarism, and police repression”. Students also held demonstrations outside Parliament.
In fear of further unrest, Parliament rescinded the MPs rises, whilst the government announced various measures to stimulate the economy, including public works and a subsidy for those earning less than 10 million rupah a month. The officer in charge of the vehicle that crushed the motorbiker was sacked, whilst another cop got a seven year demotion. However, no attempt to curtail the actions of the police and armed forces in general has been implemented.
The unrest in Indonesia has been noted throughout the region, with demonstrations in solidarity in Malaysia and Thailand. The previous month, it should be noted, President Subianto attempted to unite around the national flag on Independence Day. Thousands turned out on that day, bearing skull and crossbones adorned with a straw hat, in a rejection of nationalism. This flag has been frequently deployed during the unrest.
The situation can only get worse with the deterioration of the economy, whilst the effects of the tariffs implemented by Trump will further aggravate the situation. Be prepared to see further unrest throughout South Asia, but also be prepared to see further State repression.
The boss class is imposing its conditions everywhere, but increasingly it is meeting with resistance.