Dayat, Jakarta – A Women's March demonstration in Central Jakarta turned tense on Saturday after protesters clashed with police who blocked their attempt to march toward the Horse Statue in Central Jakarta.
The confrontation occurred at the intersection of Jalan MH Thamrin and Jalan Kebon Sirih, where protesters and police officers pushed against each other as demonstrators tried to continue their march toward the Patung Kuda area on Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan.
Police officers blocked the crowd and asked participants to change direction or follow a designated alternative route, triggering protests and pushing between the two sides, Beritasatu.com reported from the scene.
Around 300 people from several organizations took part in the demonstration, according to security personnel from the Menteng Police precinct. Participating groups included Perempuan Mahardika, the Indonesian Women's Alliance, MBG Watch, and Arus Pelangi.
Several public figures also joined the march, including Sherina Munaf, Della Dartyan, Eva Celia, and Tara Basro. They carried posters criticizing the government over various issues.
The demonstration brought together women's groups and activists demanding action on nine key issues spanning gender and economic justice, civil liberties, and human rights.
Their demands included universal social protection, stronger responses to gender-based violence, and access to reproductive health care. Protesters also raised concerns over digital repression, the militarization of civilian spaces and environmental justice.
Organizers called on the government to recognize femicide, or the gender-based killing of women, as a national crisis and establish early-warning indicators to help prevent domestic violence.
At the demonstration, participants also voiced opposition to taxes on sanitary pads and criticized the government's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.
Among their other key demands were the passage of the long-delayed Domestic Workers Protection Bill and the Indigenous Peoples Bill.
"We took to the streets peacefully to speak up for women's basic rights, demand the passage of the Domestic Workers Protection Bill and the Indigenous Peoples Bill, and call for serious attention to the ongoing femicide crisis," one protest speaker said.
"It is deeply regrettable that our access to the Horse Statue was blocked and we were pushed back like this," the speaker added.
Through the demonstration, participants urged the government to address issues affecting women and ensure equal access to legal protection and the fulfillment of women's rights across the country.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/womens-march-protesters-clash-with-police-in-central-jakart