Foreign Media Spotlight on Indonesia Protests: From DPR Allowances to Human Rights Abuses
ESSENSI.CO, JAKARTA – The wave of mass protests in Indonesia from August 25 to September 1, 2025 has drawn significant international attention. What began as a demonstration against DPR lawmakers’ allowances has quickly escalated into a broader movement highlighting inequality, government accountability, and alleged human rights violations. Major outlets from the UK, US, India, and Europe have reported extensively on the unrest.
The Guardian: Lawmakers’ Allowances and Missing Persons
The UK-based newspaper The Guardian published an in-depth article titled “Indonesia protests explained: why did they start and how has the government responded?” The report underscored the stark contrast between lavish DPR benefits and the struggling economy. Guardian also cited local human rights groups who claimed at least 20 people have gone missing during the protests, urging the United Nations to intervene.
Reuters: Social Media Restrictions and Policy Concessions
Reuters highlighted the role of social media, reporting that TikTok temporarily restricted live-streaming features in Indonesia to curb escalating tensions. Reuters also noted the government’s recent move to scrap lawmakers’ allowances as a concession aimed at calming nationwide protests.
Associated Press (AP): Clashes and Presidential Pledge
The Associated Press released a series of striking photos showing violent clashes between protesters and police in Jakarta and other major cities. AP also reported President Prabowo Subianto’s statement, promising to revoke DPR benefits and investigate the deaths of six protesters.
Washington Post: Crisis of Public Trust
The Washington Post framed the demonstrations as more than a fight against DPR allowances, describing them as a crisis of public trust in President Prabowo’s administration. The US outlet emphasized how demands expanded to include labor rights, transparency, and institutional reforms.
Times of India: Violence and Canceled State Visits
India’s leading daily, Times of India, highlighted incidents of arson targeting regional parliament buildings and reported attacks on the Finance Minister’s residence. The outlet also noted that President Prabowo canceled his planned state visit to China to focus on domestic unrest.
Euronews: Nationwide Movement Across Major Cities
Euronews described how protests spread rapidly from Jakarta to other major Indonesian cities. The European outlet stressed the role of students, labor unions, and gig economy drivers as the backbone of the movement.
Human Rights Groups: Calls for Accountability
Beyond the media, Amnesty International condemned the use of excessive force, including tear gas and rubber bullets, calling it a violation of international human rights standards. Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticized the government’s framing of the protests as “terrorism,” urging authorities to adopt UN-compliant crowd control measures.
Global Spotlight, Rising Pressure on Jakarta
The widespread coverage by international media and rights groups shows how Indonesia’s domestic turmoil has become a global concern. With mounting pressure both at home and abroad, the Prabowo administration faces growing calls for transparency, accountability, and an immediate halt to police brutality.
