Indonesian women protest against 'Free Nutritious Food' program, demand economic relief

A coalition of Indonesian women's organizations staged a protest in front of the Presidential Palace, vocally demanding an end to the "Free Nutritious Food" (MBG) program. The demonstration saw participants, many clad in pink and traditional Indonesian 'daster' dresses, carrying kitchenware, banners, and posters.

Their demands extended beyond the MBG program, encompassing calls for reduced prices on essential goods and the creation of decent job opportunities. The protesters highlighted the interconnectedness of these issues, arguing that rising fuel costs have driven up the prices of basic necessities, creating a domino effect that strains household budgets.

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Even a ride on an online motorcycle taxi feels the impact. The drivers are pitiable, and we are pitiable too. This is an issue that is close to our daily lives.

One protester, Fanda, explained that the action was a personal commitment, involving taking time off work to participate in the street demonstration. She felt compelled to join the struggle because the issues raised affect everyone. "Even a ride on an online motorcycle taxi feels the impact. The drivers are pitiable, and we are pitiable too. This is an issue that is close to our daily lives," Fanda stated.

Mutiara Ika Pratiwi, a representative of the Indonesian Women's Alliance, described the protest as an accumulation of frustration among women, particularly from the labor sector. She asserted that government policies, including fuel price hikes and the MBG program, have disproportionately burdened the populace. The rising cost of living, she explained, has squeezed the lives of women, especially low-wage laborers working long hours. Furthermore, the economic pressure has led to job losses for domestic workers as middle-class households, who often employ them, face increased financial strain.

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That makes us women who work as domestic workers get laid off a lot because their burden of responsibility also increases so they can no longer afford to employ domestic workers.