TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Solidarity actions from the Indonesian diaspora have resonated in various cities around the world. After New York and Berlin, it's now Melbourne's turn to become a platform for support for the demonstrations that have been rolling around the country since last week. Hundreds of Indonesian citizens (WNI), along with local activists and migrant workers, gathered at Federation Square in Melbourne, Australia, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. The action was initiated by Melbourne Bergerak.
Attended by Hundreds of Participants
The crowd began arriving at the location at 2:30 p.m. local time. They carried posters and banners and wore pink-themed clothing. Speaking to Tempo, Pipin Jamson, coordinator of the Melbourne Bergerak action, said the number of participants reached around 400. "We've received a lot of support from the Australian community as well," he said.
Pipin detailed that the action in Melbourne was attended by a diverse group of people. He mentioned support from human rights and environmental activists, as well as participation from various professions such as online motorcycle taxi drivers, students, researchers, lecturers, and artists. He assessed that the public response in Melbourne exceeded expectations. So far, Pipin said, there has been no opposition to the demonstration or any Indonesian citizens calling for its termination.
Echoing the 17+8 People's Demands
During the demonstration, the protesters expressed their support for the "17+8 People's Demands," which has now become the central point of the protest movement in Indonesia. Pipin emphasized that Melbourne Bergerak, which is part of the International Committee of Indonesia Bergerak, will also issue official support after the demands are released on September 5th.
"After the 17+8 People's Demands are released on September 5th, we will also issue more specific support," Pipin said. In a written statement received by Tempo, the International Committee of Indonesia Bergerak conveyed 11 demands to President Prabowo Subianto.
These demands include an end to police violence against demonstrators and the release of those arbitrarily detained; an end to the silencing of expression through digital access restrictions, pressure on the press and universities, and the criminalization of criticism; and the formation of an independent team to investigate the deaths of Affan Kurniawan, Muhamad Akbar Basri, Syahrina Wati, Syaiful Akbar, Rusdam Diansyah, Rheza Sendy Pratama, Andika Lutfi Falah, Sumari, Iko Juliant Junior, and other victims.
They also demanded the provision of recovery services for victims of violence, an end to the involvement of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in civilian positions and security for demonstrations, the revocation of treason and terrorism charges against the people, and comprehensive reform of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) by limiting their authority and establishing an independent oversight mechanism.
Other demands included a review of economic policies detrimental to the people, the cancellation of salary and allowance increases for members of the House of Representatives (DPR), and reform of the political party system and elections to ensure participatory, transparent, and accountable conduct.
Music, Posters, and Cross-Professional Solidarity
The demonstration in Melbourne was not only marked by speeches. The crowd also sang songs of resistance such as Darah Juang (Struggle Blood), Pembebasan (Farmers' Liberation), and Bento by Iwan Fals. "It feels like we're back in the New Order. That's why we really love the song 'Bento'; it's still very relevant," said Pipin.
Posters with critical messages also colored the crowd. Several migrant workers with Working Holiday Visas (WHVs) who work in the agricultural sector and restaurants were also present. According to Pipin, they even helped supply food for the protesters. "The Indonesian citizens here are also fed up with the Prabowo government. So, this is a form of collective solidarity. This is the voice of our concerns abroad, given the current situation," he said.
Criticism of PPI Japan
Pipin also responded to the Indonesian Student Association (PPI) which asked students not to participate in protests, including those in Japan. He regretted the move. "Given the political situation and the rampant injustice facing the people, we as students abroad should also be able to empathize, sympathize, and stand in solidarity with the oppressed people," he said.
According to him, the position of intellectuals abroad should be on the side of the people. "Our commitment is to the people, not to arbitrary rulers who kill their citizens, who are corrupt, and who don't care about the people's well-being," said Pipin.
Since Thursday, August 25, 2025, demonstrations have erupted in various cities across Indonesia. The main trigger was the increase in salaries and allowances for members of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) amidst difficult economic conditions. Public anger escalated after Affan Kurniawan, an online motorcycle taxi driver, was killed by a Brimob tactical vehicle.
The wave of protests then spread and claimed lives. On social media, public demands were consolidated into "17+8 People's Demands." There are 17 short-term demands, including the withdrawal of the TNI from civilian security and an end to the criminalization of demonstrators, as well as eight long-term demands. The deadline for fulfilling these demands was set at September 5, 2025.
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