Jakarta, May 1, 2025 — Tensions boiled over in Indonesia’s capital on International Workers' Day as thousands of workers, students, and feminist activists clashed with police outside the national parliament building. The protest, marked by tear gas, water cannons, and reports of violence against demonstrators and medics, underscored growing public frustration with state repression and the government’s perceived alignment with foreign interests, particularly the United States.
The demonstration, organized under the banners of groups like Bareng Warga and tagged with #MeiMelawan and #KitaSemuaPekerja, saw protesters waving red flags and holding signs declaring, “May Day is not a holiday. This is the day to fight back.” Many denounced recent government policies, including revisions to the Armed Forces Law passed in March 2025, which critics argue expand military influence into civilian spheres and threaten democratic freedoms. Others voiced anger over systemic corruption, cronyism, and economic distress, issues that have fueled nationwide protests since at least March, according to Peoples Dispatch.
The protests are part of a broader wave of unrest in Indonesia this year. In March, students rallied against the revised military law, burning tires and storming parliamentary gates in Jakarta, as reported by Reuters. The law, defended by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin as necessary for adapting to “geopolitical changes and global military technology,” has been widely criticized for echoing the authoritarianism of the Suharto era’s “New Order.” President Prabowo Subianto, a former special forces commander under Suharto, has faced accusations of deepening military cronyism since taking office in October 2024.
On X, the account
@redstreamnet
highlighted the protesters’ claim that the government is a “US puppet,” a sentiment that resonates with historical grievances about foreign influence in Indonesian politics. Replies to the post reflected a mix of global solidarity and frustration—@mcanon18
called for similar activism in the US, while @siput647524
shared a link to Bareng Warga’s post about the violence against medics, questioning the lack of domestic media coverage compared to international outlets.
As the sun set on Jakarta, some protesters sought refuge in safe zones like Plaza Senayan, where activist
@antiochhhhhh
offered support. Others continued to share their experiences online, with @bread_selling
noting the rapid distribution of food to hungry demonstrators. However, the day ended on a grim note for many, with Bareng Warga condemning the state’s “brutal” response in a press release, demanding accountability for the violence against peaceful demonstrators.The May Day clashes signal a deepening divide between Indonesia’s government and its citizens, as economic hardship, political repression, and controversial legislation continue to drive public dissent. With protests reported in cities like Medan, Bandung, and Surabaya earlier this year, the movement shows no signs of slowing down, raising questions about the future of democracy in the world’s third-largest democratic nation.
