Indonesian youth protest again in 2025

Thousands of Indonesian students took to the streets in October 2025 under the hashtag #IndonesiaSadar, demanding action from the Prabowo Subianto government on forest fires, which were the most severe in over a decade. The demonstrations followed earlier protests in February and August 2025, which were also marked by significant unrest across the country.

Roots of the protests

The anger of Indonesian youth is driven by long-standing issues such as the high cost of living, rising education costs, unstable employment, shrinking democratic space, and widespread distrust in a political class seen as corrupt. These concerns are not unique to Indonesia, as similar protests have been seen in countries like France, Spain, and India.

Government response and repression

In the aftermath of the summer 2025 protests, the Indonesian government has been accused of arbitrarily criminalizing dissent. Many young protesters and even social media users who expressed critical opinions have faced mass arrests and legal charges. Instead of addressing the demands, the government has increased the militarization of public administration and security.

Media highlights the crisis of trust

Indonesian media outlet Konde has emphasized that ignoring youth protests risks losing their trust in democracy. It draws parallels between Indonesian students and French high schoolers, both questioning whether the state is working to meet citizens' needs or simply expecting them to accept the status quo.

Youth resilience and the "matcha effect"

Despite repression, Indonesian youth continue to protest, with their anger fueled by economic hardship and political disillusionment. The term "matcha effect" has emerged to describe the way Indonesian youth cope with anxiety, often symbolized by the affordability of fried chicken—a measure of purchasing power in the country.