Hundreds of Indonesian Women Lead Jakarta Protests Against Police Brutality, Government Privileges

Hundreds of Indonesian women, dressed in pink and wielding broomsticks as symbols of sweeping away corruption and repression, led peaceful protests in Jakarta against police brutality, wasteful government spending, and lawmakers' privileges. The demonstrations intensified nationwide following the death of a motorcycle taxi driver who was fatally struck by a police vehicle, with rights groups reporting at least 10 deaths amid unrest that also involved looting and rioting. The Alliance of Indonesian Women, a coalition of women-led civil society groups, emphasized the peaceful nature of their protests, calling for police reform and an end to militarism, while rejecting government accusations of treason. President Prabowo Subianto, who initially canceled but later attended a military parade in China during the protests, vowed a firm response to violence and suggested elements of terrorism and treason in the unrest, drawing criticism from rights groups and opposition leaders. Amnesty International and other organizations have condemned the government's crackdown, calling for the withdrawal of military personnel from civilian security duties and the release of detainees held without charge. The protests reflect broader public anger over the rising cost of living, corruption, and the role of security forces in Indonesia's current political climate.