Dewi Rina Cahyani, Jakarta – A number of Indonesian citizens in London and Paris held a demonstration to express their concerns about the situation in their homeland. In London, around 250 Indonesian diaspora in the UK gathered in the city center on Friday, September 5, 2022. The demonstration took place from 14:30 to 17:00 BST at Russell Square Gardens, WC1B5EH.
They condemned the police brutality against the demonstrators in Indonesia. The demonstrators also criticized the government's alleged lack of concern for the economic difficulties faced by the people.
In a written statement received by Tempo, the Indonesian citizens in London also urged the Indonesian government to fulfill the demands of #ResetIndonesia that has been echoed by civil society in Indonesia. The demands include pushing for systemic changes aimed at ending the corrupt practices that have long favored and benefited the political elite and oligarchy, but have not favored the people.
The demonstrators demanded that the government be more sensitive to the economic difficulties faced by the common people. In recent months, there has been a wave of layoffs in Indonesia, resulting in a decrease in purchasing power and a surge in unemployment.
The public has become increasingly frustrated because amid the declining purchasing power, the salaries and allowances of the members of the House of Representatives (DPR) have increased to more than Rp100 million per month. This action is in stark contrast to the wage stagnation of most citizens and the government's plans to implement new tax schemes, including the idea of taxing social media. The recent comment by the Finance Minister, Sri Mulyani, questioning the government's full responsibility for the low salaries of teachers, has further fueled public anger.
The demonstration organized by the London Bergerak collective is part of a wider international solidarity movement under the International Committee of Indonesia Bergerak. This coalition includes the Indonesian diaspora communities in various countries such as Australia, the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Poland, Switzerland, Canada, Norway, and Denmark, all united to show that the struggle for justice and democracy in Indonesia transcends national boundaries.
A demonstration was also held by Indonesian citizens in Paris on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. They protested against corruption by the representatives of the people, violence by the authorities against civil society, and the democracy crisis. The disappointment was marked by the presence of a makeshift grave with the inscription 'Democracy'.
The demonstrators stood facing the makeshift grave, carrying various posters containing aspirations, grievances, and demands. Behind the makeshift grave were photos of ten victims of incidents of violence by the authorities and riots.
After praying according to their respective beliefs and singing the national anthem, each demonstrator placed a rose on the makeshift grave. Asmara Abigail, an Indonesian actress, was present and recited a poem. The demonstration ended with the singing of the song "Syukur."