Amid the wave of demonstrations sweeping Indonesia since late August 2025, international media outlets like Reuters and Al Jazeera have critically highlighted how public dissatisfaction with President Prabowo Subianto’s government policies has reached a boiling point. The protests, initially triggered by public anger over the Rp50 million monthly housing allowance for DPR members, have evolved into a national movement demanding economic reform and social justice. The death of Affan Kurniawan, an online motorcycle taxi driver who was run over by a police tactical vehicle on August 28, served as a catalyst, spreading the actions to various cities from Jakarta to Makassar. Coverage from both outlets not only documents the violence and unrest but also delves into the root causes: the government’s failure to address economic inequality, soaring inflation, and the erosion of social justice under Prabowo’s leadership. This analysis reveals how Prabowo’s campaign promises—such as 8% economic growth—clash with a bitter reality, where budget cuts exacerbate disparities.
Reuters’ Perspective: Prabowo’s First Major Test Amid Economic Crisis
Reuters, in its sharp coverage, portrays the protests as the “first major test” for Prabowo’s administration, which is nearing its one-year mark. They emphasize how Affan Kurniawan’s death ignited widespread demonstrations that not only demand police reform but also spotlight deep dissatisfaction with economic policies deemed anti-people. Reuters reports that protesters, including students, workers, and ride-hailing drivers, are calling for the dissolution of the DPR, viewing the lavish allowance as “insensitive” amid public economic hardships. Furthermore, Reuters criticizes Prabowo’s response as slow and defensive; although the president expressed “disappointment” over “excessive actions” by the police and ordered an investigation, the coverage highlights how his statements failed to quell public anger, instead sparking criticism that the government prioritizes stability over justice.
On the economic front, Reuters highlights the direct impact of the protests on Indonesia’s financial stability. The rupiah plunged 0.9% against the US dollar, while stock indices fell by up to 2.3%, reflecting investor fears of prolonged chaos. Analysts like Made Supriatma from the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, quoted by Reuters, warn that if Prabowo is not careful, the protests could escalate into broader turmoil. The coverage also links the dissatisfaction to the Rp306.7 trillion (about $19 billion) budget cuts to fund the free lunch program, which slashed funding for public education, health, and infrastructure. Reuters points out the irony: while Prabowo promised high economic growth, these policies have worsened youth unemployment at 16% and eroded public purchasing power, creating a “dark wave” of dissatisfaction dubbed “Dark Indonesia.” Reuters’ critical approach uncovers how Prabowo’s populist policies fail to address the roots of inequality, where DPR allowances equal 10 times Jakarta’s minimum wage, while millions struggle with inflation and mass layoffs.
Al Jazeera’s Perspective: Culmination of Prolonged Economic and Political Frustration
Al Jazeera, with a more exploratory yet equally sharp tone, positions the protests as a “culmination of months of economic and political frustration.” They delve into how the DPR allowance served as the trigger, but the core issue is the government’s failure to deliver on economic promises. Al Jazeera highlights that Prabowo campaigned on an 8% growth target within five years, yet World Bank projections are only 4.8% for 2025-2027, compounded by threats from US trade tariffs under Trump that hit Indonesian exports. The coverage criticizes how these policies exacerbate social inequality, with DPR allowances reaching 20 times the minimum wage in poor regions, while inflation and youth unemployment foster a sense of “collective injustice.”
Al Jazeera also spotlights the symbolism of the protests, such as the hoisting of pirate flags from the anime One Piece as a form of resistance against a government perceived as “dark” and opaque. This reflects youth dissatisfaction with budget cuts that slash social support, like education and health, to finance Prabowo’s populist programs. Prabowo’s response, described by Al Jazeera as a “former military general” who pledged to “work democratically” but is ready for “firm action,” is criticized for potentially veering toward authoritarianism. Their coverage stresses how police violence, including Affan’s death, intensifies demands for social justice, with protesters calling for police reform and minimum wage increases. Al Jazeera concludes that the protests test Prabowo’s commitment to democracy, amid falling stocks and rupiah that could worsen the economic crisis if unaddressed.
Key Themes: Failed Economy and Erosion of Social Justice
Both outlets agree that public dissatisfaction stems from economic failures: massive budget cuts for the free lunch program have slashed essential funding, worsening unemployment and inflation. This creates stark disparities, where political elites enjoy luxuries while the public grapples with rising living costs. In terms of social justice, police violence and lack of accountability signal democratic erosion, with Prabowo accused of leaning more toward a military approach than reform. This spotlight underscores that without fundamental changes, the protests could expand, threatening Prabowo’s government stability.
Conclusion: Challenges to Prabowo’s Legitimacy
The coverage from Reuters and Al Jazeera reveals a critical narrative: Prabowo’s administration has failed to meet public expectations, where economic promises collide with realities of injustice. These protests are not mere temporary reactions but warning signals of deeper potential crises. If Prabowo does not reform economic policies and uphold social justice, Indonesia risks facing an even “darker” phase, as symbolized in the societal movement.
