ULAH PEJABAT BIKIN RAKYAT MARAH! Fakta Demo 28–29 Agustus 2025 di DPR – INDONESIA MEMBARA!

Summary

On August 28, 2025, a peaceful protest in front of the DPR building over salary increases and economic hardship escalated into chaos when authorities used tear gas and rubber bullets, resulting in casualties, including the death of motorcycle taxi driver Afan Kurniawan. Heavy security deployment, digital censorship, and conflicting official narratives fueled public distrust. Despite repression, acts of resistance went viral, and communities supported demonstrators, highlighting a growing legitimacy crisis for authorities. The events revealed deep social tensions and a potential escalation of protests, reflecting widespread frustration with elitist policies and the state's repressive response.

Takeaways

• 🔥 The August 28, 2025 protest in front of the DPR building escalated from peaceful beginnings to violent clashes within minutes.
• 💰 The main trigger was the DPR's decision to increase salaries by over 100 million per month amid difficult economic conditions.
• 👮 Authorities deployed more than 4,500 personnel from police, military, and Satpol PP, using tear gas and rubber bullets indiscriminately.
• 🚫 Digital censorship intensified, with critical social media posts deleted quickly and live streaming on TikTok prohibited during the demonstration.
• 🚑 Civilians and medical posts were also affected, including the tragic death of online motorcycle taxi driver Afan Kurniawan by a Brimop armored vehicle.
• ✊ Public outrage grew, with symbolic acts like a mother waving the national flag in front of police going viral and demonstrating defiance.
• 🎓 Student organizations (BEMSI, BEM UI) issued demands for accountability, removal of police leadership, release of detainees, and police reform.
• 🏛️ The government’s narrative, including claims of foreign funding and cautious statements from the presidential palace, contrasted with public anger and distrust.
• ⚖️ Human rights institutions and trade unions condemned the authorities’ repressive actions and called for justice for victims like Afan Kurniawan.
• 🌊 The protest signals a potential wave of further demonstrations, with ordinary citizens joining workers and students, risking escalation into a broader political crisis.
• 📹 Evidence tampering was suspected as CCTV cameras reportedly went dead, further fueling public suspicion and distrust of state institutions.
• 💧 Citizens showed solidarity with protesters by providing water to those affected by tear gas, highlighting widespread grassroots support.

Q & A

What triggered the demonstration on August 28, 2025, in front of the DPR building?

The demonstration was triggered by the decision of the DPR to increase its salary by more than 100 million per month, which occurred amidst difficult economic conditions where people were already struggling with rising costs of living and the price of rice.

What were the main demands of the demonstrators on August 28, 2025?

The demonstrators, including the Labor Alliance, students, and civil society communities, demanded the rejection of a revision to the employment law, the rejection of the salary increase for the DPR, and improvements to social security.

How did the government respond to the upcoming demonstration before it began?

The government responded by narrowing the space for public movement, censoring critical content online, and making efforts to restrict live streaming on TikTok. Authorities also deployed thousands of officers and implemented traffic restrictions around the DPR building.

What was the significance of the tragic incident involving an online motorcycle taxi driver during the demonstration?

The online motorcycle taxi driver, Afan Kurniawan, was run over and killed by a Brimop armored vehicle despite not participating in the protest. His death became a symbol of the brutality faced by ordinary people during the protests, sparking outrage and leading to calls for justice.

What were the claims made by the head of BIN about the August 28 protest?

The head of BIN, AM Hendro Priono, claimed that the large-scale demonstration received funding from foreign parties, though he did not specify which foreign actors were involved. This claim was controversial and was seen by some as an attempt to delegitimize the protest movement.

How did President Prabowo Subianto and his administration respond to the incident of the motorcycle taxi driver's death?

President Prabowo Subianto expressed deep condolences over Afan Kurniawan's death and ordered a thorough investigation into the excessive actions of the authorities. Meanwhile, the government attempted to present a calm and measured response amidst strong public criticism of the police's repressive actions.

What role did social media and live streaming play in the events surrounding the demonstration?

Social media and live streaming were seen as crucial tools for documenting and sharing the protests. The government, however, sought to suppress critical content by censoring posts and prohibiting live streaming on platforms like TikTok, which led to public skepticism and criticism of the authorities' actions.

What was the public's perception of the government's response to the demonstration?

The public perceived the government's response as repressive and overly fearful of its own citizens. The authorities' actions, such as the deployment of thousands of officers and the use of tear gas and rubber bullets, only fueled distrust and increased public support for the protesters.

How did the National Human Rights Commission respond to the actions of the police?

The National Human Rights Commission condemned the actions of the Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimop), labeling them as serious human rights violations. They called for an immediate end to the repressive measures and demanded that the police be held accountable for Afan Kurniawan's death.

What future scenarios are anticipated regarding the protests after August 28, 2025?

The protests are expected to continue and escalate, potentially leading to larger movements. If the DPR and the government continue their elitist policies and repressive actions, there is a risk that the protests could develop into a political crisis, challenging the legitimacy of the authorities.