Voices from the Streets: Indonesians Speak Out on DPR Issues and National Challenges

In recent days, waves of demonstrations have swept across Indonesia, particularly around the House of Representatives (DPR) building in Jakarta. Hundreds of thousands of citizens from diverse backgrounds have taken to the streets to voice deep-seated concerns about the nation’s trajectory. Through direct interviews with protesters, their testimonies reveal the pulse of a society in turmoil.

The Plight of Gig Drivers

Ari (26), an online motorcycle taxi (ojol) driver, expressed his frustration bluntly: “Please don’t only think about your own stomachs. It’s so easy for you when your salaries increase, even though it’s our taxes you’re spending”. Describing worsening conditions, he added, “No matter which app I drive for, it’s always tough. Commission fees are rising, but ride requests are dwindling”.megapolitan.kompas+1

Safri (32), another ojol driver from Grogol, West Jakarta, questioned the government’s commitment: “We see drivers like us demonstrating over and over, yet there’s no supportive regulation for our welfare”. Worried about his family, he confessed, “The economy is so difficult now. Everything’s expensive. I’m scared for my wife and child at home”.megapolitan.kompas

Outrage of the Labor Force

Said Iqbal, President of the Labour Party and the Indonesian Workers’ Union Confederation (KSPI), highlighted stark inequalities: “Rp 3 million versus Rp 104 million—about 35 times a DPR member’s salary. Is that fair? That’s the critique we’re directing at the DPR. It hurts the hearts of workers”. With fervor, he urged the crowd: “For a raise of Rp 200 thousand—less than 18 dollars—you take to the streets. Over and over again. How many days? Countless days!” He rallied supporters: “Raise your hands if you’re ready to fight! Clap if you’re ready! Shout it out: Long live workers!”.finance.detik

Student Leaders’ Sharp Critique

Atan Zayyid Sulthan, Chair of the University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI), analyzed root causes: “Unwise policies from the government and the DPR—like the massive salary hikes—have ignited public anger”. He emphasized that these protests weren’t spontaneous: “Today’s action is a domino effect of persisting national problems… This people’s outrage became a shockwave, and in the end, lives were lost. We deeply regret that”.tempo

Muhammad Ikram, Coordinator of BEM SI Kerakyatan, outlined clear demands: “Today, BEM SI Kerakyatan focuses on Polda Metro Jaya”, calling for the prosecution of alleged rights violators, a comprehensive reform within the National Police, and the resignation or replacement of the Chief of Police.detik

Everyday Citizens’ Testimonies

Danar, a private university student, joined purely as “an Indonesian citizen,” not representing his campus. He lamented the government’s policies: “Can we accept mass layoffs while DPR members earn tens or hundreds of millions?”.bbc

Rahmini (45), a factory worker, skipped work to protest heavy taxation in Pati. “When I learned about the DPR’s salaries and allowances, I was furious,” she said, calling for the DPR’s dissolution for failing to represent the people.bbc

Critique of an Unjust System

Alfin (30), an ojol driver from Cijantung, Pasar Rebo, demanded the DPR be disbanded: “We struggle to earn a living, yet DPR members earn so much”. Another protester noted the mismatch between high salaries and poor legislative performance.youtube bbc

Concrete Demands and Hopes

Among labor groups, key demands included:

Abolish outsourcing and reject low wages
Halt layoffs and establish a task force against unemployment
Reform labor taxation
Enact a standalone Manpower Bill, removing it from Omnibus Law
Pass the Asset Forfeiture Bill to fight corruption news.detik

Student groups called for:

Dissolution of the DPR
Elimination of DPR salaries and allowances
Passage of the Asset Forfeiture Bill
Comprehensive political reform cnbcindonesia

Deep Emotional Resonance

The most striking aspect of these interviews is the raw emotion and frustration. Protesters aren’t just demanding policy changes—they feel betrayed by a system meant to protect them. As BEM SI declared: “You come with shields, while we come with our voices. You bring troops; we bring demands. Your job is to protect, not intimidate”.instagram

Epilogue: A Call That Cannot Be Ignored

These demonstrations reflect a profound crisis of trust between Indonesians and their leaders. Voices from Jakarta’s streets—from ojol drivers to students, factory workers to housewives—share the same lament: Indonesia is at a crossroads. Will these voices be heeded and acted upon, or will they fade into the usual political noise?

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Voices from the Streets: Indonesians Speak Out on DPR Issues and National Challenges

The Plight of Gig Drivers

Outrage of the Labor Force

Student Leaders’ Sharp Critique

Everyday Citizens’ Testimonies

Critique of an Unjust System

Concrete Demands and Hopes

Deep Emotional Resonance

Epilogue: A Call That Cannot Be Ignored

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The Archivist Theme

Voices from the Streets: Indonesians Speak Out on DPR Issues and National Challenges

The Plight of Gig Drivers

Outrage of the Labor Force

Student Leaders’ Sharp Critique

Everyday Citizens’ Testimonies

Critique of an Unjust System

Concrete Demands and Hopes

Deep Emotional Resonance

Epilogue: A Call That Cannot Be Ignored

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