Indonesians protest spending and raise regional flags amid Independence Day celebrations
During the Independence Day festivities in Jakarta, citizens questioned costly celebrations and displayed protest flags across several provinces, while a new academic shadow cabinet was launched to challenge President Prabowo Subianto's administration.
Indonesia marked its 81st Independence Day with a large parade in Jakarta, where President Prabowo Subianto oversaw floats celebrating ministries, including the National Nutrition Agency’s Free Nutritious Meals program that claims 56.9 million beneficiaries. Critics argued the festivities were poorly timed after a deadly earthquake and accused the government of wasteful spending on items such as dove releases and goodie bags.
Across the archipelago, citizens raised flags—white flags in Aceh, Borneo Raya in Kalimantan, and the Morning Star in Papua—to protest inadequate flood relief, stalled infrastructure and perceived exploitation of natural resources. Teacher Faisal Zulham warned of falling purchasing power, rising poverty and corruption. Meanwhile, a group of academics in Jakarta formed a 15-member “shadow cabinet” to provide evidence-based policy alternatives, citing weakened legislative checks. The Home Affairs Ministry urged respect for national symbols and peaceful protest, while the Communications Office defended the celebrations as a dignified national display.
Why it matters
The protests reveal growing public dissatisfaction with government spending and service delivery, potentially influencing Indonesia's political stability.
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