‘Brave Pink’: Women With Brooms Lead Indonesia's Anti-Government Protests

Last Updated:September 03, 2025, 19:19 IST

Indonesia Protests: Hundreds of women led by Indonesian Women’s Alliance marched in pink with broomsticks to parliament,.

The demonstration was organised by the Indonesian Women’s Alliance (IWA). (Image Credit: Reuters)

Hundreds of women dressed in pink and carrying broomsticks marched to Indonesia’s parliament against police abuses and government excess. The demonstration, organised by the Indonesian Women’s Alliance (IWA), was part of a wave of nationwide protests that have stretched into a second week. Anger has been fuelled by rising living costs, lavish perks for lawmakers and the death of a young motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan who was killed after being run over by a police vehicle.

Sweeping Away ‘State Dirt’

The women, representing nearly 90 grassroots organisations under the IWA banner, said the broomsticks represented their determination to “sweep away the dirt of the state, militarism and police repression."

Alongside broomsticks, protesters waved placards reading “reform the police" and accused authorities of using excessive force. The IWA chose pink to symbolise bravery, while other demonstrators adopted green- the colour of Affan Kurniawan’s rideshare company uniform to honour his memory.

Massive Crackdown Against Protesters

The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation said at least 10 people have died in the demonstrations since late August while more than 1,000 were hospitalised. The UN human rights office called for “prompt, thorough, and transparent investigations" into alleged abuses. Amnesty International Indonesia urged the government to heed protesters’ demands before further casualties occur.

National Human Rights Commission chair Anis Hidayah said, “When people want to express their problems and difficulties, the space seems to be available but not easily accessible."

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto sought to quell discontent by pledging to roll back lawmakers’ perks. In response, Herianto, a former central co-ordinator for the All-Indonesian Students’ Union, said, “Symbolic changes are important but people expect deeper reforms, particularly in areas that affect ordinary citizens such as agricultural policy, education and fair economic opportunities."

Location :

Indonesia

First Published:

September 03, 2025, 19:19 IST

News world ‘Brave Pink’: Women With Brooms Lead Indonesia's Anti-Government Protests

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