Credited from: THEJAKARTAPOST
The "RESET SYSTEM" graffiti painted in vibrant green and pink in Yogyakarta signifies the rise of a solidarity movement in Indonesia after violent protests erupted due to discontent over economic inequality and lavish perks enjoyed by lawmakers. Office worker Dila from Jakarta noted that she applied a bright green and pink filter to her social media profile pictures to join the movement. "What we need now is solidarity among each other... because there's still a long way to go," she stated, reflecting a collective desire for change in the face of discontent, according to Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, and The Jakarta Post.
The colors pink and green denote significant symbols within the protests. Pink signifies the hijab of a woman who protested outside the House of Representatives, while green symbolizes Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old delivery driver who died after being run over by police. His death has prompted demands for reform in policing, with Dila articulating, "There must be reform in our police force; impunity cannot be allowed to continue." This agitation stems from not only the current demonstrations but also past injustices, as detailed by Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, and The Jakarta Post.
The ongoing protests represent the most significant unrest in Indonesia since President Prabowo Subianto took office less than a year ago, with the "Brave Pink, Hero Green" movement emerging as a pivotal force compelling Prabowo and parliament to reconsider the controversial perks that include extensive allowances for lawmakers. While Indonesia's economy shows growth, citizens feel left behind as they witness a growing gap between the ruling elite and the general public. Dila highlighted, "It's the whole corrupt system; there is too big a distance between people in the government and us," according to Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, and The Jakarta Post.
Activists have mobilized the pink-and-green movement through social media, creating graphic filters and online platforms to raise awareness and engage those unaware or not participating in the protests. Dila stated, "Perhaps this is one of the ways to remind people that this issue deserves our attention." This strategy aims to secure broader commitments to the cause, as reported by Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, and The Jakarta Post.
A rights organization reported at least 10 fatalities and hundreds of injuries resulting from the protests, while another NGO cited approximately 20 individuals as missing. In response to the agitation, Prabowo's prior decree for calm transitioned into a call for involvement as he prepared for a scheduled military parade in Beijing. Mutiara Ika Pratiwi from Perempuan Mahardhika expressed her distress over Prabowo's comments likening the protests to treason, asserting, "The people are not the problem. We have the right to protest because our voice has never been heard," showcasing the emotional weight of the movement, according to Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, and The Jakarta Post.