JustUpdateOnline.com – Jakarta, Large crowds gathered outside the Indonesian Parliament complex in Senayan on Thursday, August 27, to demand more aggressive anti-corruption measures and comprehensive social reforms. The demonstration, which drew participants from both the capital and surrounding regions, signaled growing public pressure on the government to address systemic economic and political issues.
A coalition known as the People’s Movement for Accountability (GERAM), consisting of student organizations and civil society activists, arrived at the legislative building around 2:00 PM WIB. The group presented a list of ten primary demands, emphasizing that "the state must not surrender to corrupt individuals."
Among their core grievances, GERAM called on President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to take responsibility for policies they claim have weakened democratic institutions and widened the wealth gap. The protesters also voiced opposition to several current initiatives, including the Free Nutritious Meal program and the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives. They argued that current tax policies are overly burdensome and called for a significant increase in the national minimum wage.
While the atmosphere remained largely orderly, some protesters were seen scaling the perimeter fences of the parliamentary complex. Haerul Alam, a representative from GERAM, emphasized that the gathering was intended to peacefully voice public aspirations rather than incite violence.
In a separate but related action, the Pati United Community Alliance (AMPB) from Central Java also held a rally earlier in the day. Their focus was more specific, demanding the immediate passage of the Asset Forfeiture Bill (RUU Perampasan Aset) and the implementation of the death penalty for those convicted of corruption.
The Asset Forfeiture Bill is designed to grant the state the authority to track, freeze, and confiscate assets linked to economic crimes and corruption without requiring a prior criminal conviction. In response to the rally, several members of parliament met with AMPB representatives, offering a formal commitment to pass the legislation by December 15. The alliance warned that they would mobilize even larger protests if the government fails to meet this deadline.
The AMPB’s involvement stems from local grievances in Pati, where residents previously protested against former Regent Sudewo over a 250 percent increase in property taxes. Sudewo was later detained by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on allegations of bribery and extortion.
To maintain order, authorities deployed a massive security force of 18,504 personnel across six designated zones in Jakarta. Traffic was rerouted around the Senayan area to prevent congestion. During the operation, the Jakarta Metropolitan Police detained 65 individuals as a "preventative measure." According to police spokesperson Commissioner Budi Hermanto, these individuals are being questioned to determine their roles and whether any criminal intent existed.
The lead-up to the protest was marked by controversy when Bank Mandiri temporarily froze the account of AMPB coordinator Supriyono. The state-owned bank eventually restored access, explaining that the freeze had been requested by law enforcement agencies.
This latest wave of unrest follows a period of heightened tension in Indonesia. Last year, the country saw significant demonstrations regarding parliamentary housing allowances and police conduct. The current political climate remains sensitive, as the administration continues to navigate economic recovery and public demands for transparency.
