Yogyakarta Intersection Blocked as Protesters Demand Policy Review on Economy, Law, and Welfare

Hundreds of protesters, united under the "People's Call Alliance," converged on the Gejayan intersection in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on Saturday afternoon, bringing traffic to a standstill. The demonstration, which persisted through heavy rain until dusk, saw a diverse group of participants including students, academics, activists, laborers, and online motorcycle taxi drivers.

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We ask President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran to be sane and pro-people to review the programs.

Carrying banners highlighting various socio-economic issues, the protesters presented ten demands to the administration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Key grievances included the controversial free nutritious meal program, the weakening rupiah, rising fuel prices, and the heavy tax burden on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

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The democratic conditions and the position of civil society are increasingly concerning because the space for criticism is continuously narrowed by the rulers.

Speakers from various organizations took to the stage, criticizing the government's policies. Masduki, a professor of Media and Journalism, urged the President and Vice President to reconsider their programs. Marsinah, spokesperson for the Alliance, expressed concern over the shrinking space for criticism in Indonesian democracy, stating that honesty and care for citizens' daily lives are becoming rare commodities. She argued that criticism, essential for a healthy democracy, is often misconstrued as a threat, with those voicing concerns frequently accused of hidden motives.

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Ironically, criticism that should be a healthy part of democracy is often suspected of being a threat.