1. Escalating Protests and Clashes Over Worker Rights
Indonesia is witnessing widespread unrest as workers and students rally against deteriorating living conditions and growing inequality. Demonstrations intensified following the tragic death of Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old motorcycle delivery rider who was fatally run over by a police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) vehicle in Jakarta. The incident, captured on video, sparked outrage and fueled demands for an investigation and accountability.CNAThe Australian+1
Beyond this flashpoint, protests have also targeted lawmakers’ allowances and austerity policies. Workers marched on the parliament calling for an overhaul of industrial relations laws, higher wages, better working conditions, and a ban on labor contracting. These protests reflect broader frustrations with President Prabowo Subianto’s austerity measures—ranging from mass layoffs and budget cuts to tax hikes and controversial redirection of public funds. Notably, the issue of MPs receiving housing allowances of around AUD 5,000 per month stirred public resentment amid rising inequality.The AustralianThe Guardian
2. Military’s Expanding Influence in Civilian Sectors
Concerns are mounting over the growing role of the military in civilian affairs. Since taking office, President Prabowo—formerly a general—has overseen the creation of 100 new battalions (with plans to expand to 500), deploying them in sectors like agriculture, food security, pharmaceuticals, and land reclamation. This move rekindles fears of returning to the “dwifungsi” doctrine of the Suharto era, where military and civilian authority were intertwined. Critics warn these shifts risk undermining democratic norms and effective governance.The Guardian
3. Economic Trends & Currency Stability
Indonesia’s economy faces challenges as global headwinds and domestic instability strain markets. On August 29, Bank Indonesia intervened in both onshore and offshore foreign exchange markets to prop up the rupiah, which had plunged nearly 1%—its weakest level since August 1. The central bank also increased its government bond purchases to stabilize markets. Stock indexes dipped roughly 2%, though regulators attributed the slide to normal technical adjustments and asserted that fundamentals remain strong.Reuters
4. Tackling Disinformation: Government Warnings to Meta and TikTok
Amid political tensions and public protests, the Indonesian government issued stern warnings to tech giants Meta and TikTok, asking them to combat the proliferation of disinformation, provocative posts, and deepfakes. Authorities demanded proactive moderation efforts, warning that failure to comply could result in fines or even suspension of operations. This reflects Indonesia’s heightened sensitivity to misinformation’s potential impact on social stability.The Times of India
5. Tropical Health Risk: Measles Outbreak
Even before COVID-19, Indonesia had grappled with infectious diseases—but current concerns now center on a measles outbreak. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin cautioned that measles spreads even faster than COVID-19, prompting the government to launch rapid vaccination efforts to protect vulnerable populations.Antara News
6. Legal and Cultural Flashpoints: Aceh Caning Incident
In Aceh province, which enforces Shariah law, two men were publicly caned in a park for hugging and kissing—acts deemed precursors to prohibited sexual relations. Each received 80 lashes administered by masked enforcers, amid an audience of around 100. Eight others were also caned for offenses like adultery and gambling. Human rights organizations condemned the punishments as discriminatory and violating LGBTQ+ rights, pointing to growing tensions between Aceh’s religiously driven governance and Indonesia’s broader, secular human rights commitments.AP News
7. Diplomatic and Security Developments
Despite internal unrest, Indonesia continues to deepen its international ties. At a recent 2+2 meeting, Indonesia and Australia reaffirmed strategic cooperation in regional stability and global affairs.Antara News
Separately, state-run oil and gas company Pertamina remains at the center of one of Indonesia’s largest-ever corruption scandals in 2025. Allegations involve the adulteration of subsidized and non-subsidized petroleum, with losses estimated around Rp 968.5 trillion (approximately US $59 billion). The case overshadows previous corporate scandals and underscores systemic governance challenges.Wikipedia
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