Protest wave challenges Indonesia’s authoritarian drift

Protest Wave Challenges Indonesia's Authoritarian Drift

Indonesia is at a crossroads after a wave of protests sparked by the death of Affan Kurniawan, a motorcycle taxi driver killed by a police vehicle during demonstrations.

The protests, which began in late August 2025, have led to mass mobilizations across several cities, with the state responding with repressive measures such as police violence, mass arrests, and military intimidation.

According to reports, 11 people have died, hundreds have been injured, and many activists, including Lokataru's director Delpedro Marhaen, remain detained on vague charges.

His death became the spark for mass mobilisations across several cities.

These events raise critical questions about Indonesia's democratic trajectory amid autocratisation.

Author's summary: Indonesia faces a crossroads in its democratic trajectory.

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East Asia Forum East Asia Forum — 2025-10-21

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