Thousands protest Indonesian government policies in Yogyakarta

Thousands of Indonesians converged on the Gejayan intersection in Yogyakarta on Saturday, June 13, to voice widespread discontent with the current government's policies under President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

Under the banner of the People's Call Alliance, a diverse group comprising civil society members, university students, academics, labor activists, and online motorcycle taxi drivers occupied the busy intersection from mid-afternoon. Despite heavy rain, the demonstrators continued to arrive, setting up a stage and command vehicle to amplify their messages. Banners displayed across the protest site highlighted deep concerns regarding Indonesia's economic and political trajectory, leading to a complete traffic shutdown in the area.

Organizers stated the rally's primary goals were to draw attention to perceived worsening economic conditions, a decline in democratic freedoms, and broader public welfare issues. The alliance presented a comprehensive list of 10 demands, addressing critical areas such as economic policy, governance, civil liberties, labor rights, education, and healthcare. Specific grievances included the government's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, the weakening rupiah, rising fuel costs, and the tax burden on small businesses.

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We urge President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran to review policies that are not in the public interest.

Speakers at the rally included Masduki, a professor at the Islamic University of Indonesia, who urged President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran to reconsider policies deemed not to be in the public interest. Marsinah, spokesperson for the People's Call Alliance, articulated concerns about increasing pressure on civil society and democratic freedoms, stating, "Criticism, which should be a healthy part of democracy, is often treated as a threat." She emphasized that genuine democracy thrives on accountability, not forced praise.

The alliance's demands extended to calling for the suspension of the MBG program, citing its vulnerability to corruption and lack of oversight. They also opposed the government's Red and White Village Cooperative initiative and called for the withdrawal of amendments to laws governing the military, police, and judiciary, arguing these changes could undermine civil liberties and accountability. Furthermore, protesters demanded enhanced protections for freedom of expression, assembly, and association, alongside accountability for security forces involved in past violence.

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Criticism, which should be a healthy part of democracy, is often treated as a threat. Yet democracy grows not from forced praise, but from the courage to hold power accountable.