In a world where corruption and injustice are rampant, it’s empowering to hear about people coming together to uplift a common cause. That’s exactly what happened in Indonesia amidst the ongoing protests happening in the country.
The protests began as a movement against the excessive privileges given to lawmakers after citizens found out that they were given 50 million rupiah monthly housing allowance while the rest of the country face rising unemployment rates and no aid from the government. The unrest escalated after a motorcycle rider was run over by the police during a rally, riling up demonstrators even more. To the masses, the government was protecting the interests of the ruling class and actively harming the working class. In all these events, President Prabowo Subianto apologized and asked for calm, but the protests continued.
#Se
Ari Potret, one of the riders, shared in an interview with Al Jazeera, “We’re very disappointed in all law enforcement agencies, especially the police chief. Please pay attention to this. Drivers are also human as well as commoners, as said by our lawmakers. We are very sad that one was killed, and we all felt it.”
Amidst the protests, riders across Indonesia noticed that something unusual was happening: a surplus of free food was being given to them from countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, and more. This started after a user on X shared that you can change the settings on Grab to be able to send food to other countries. Amidst the closing of food and beverage establishments during the protests, the food deliveries by other Southeast Asian countries created the #SEAblings movement. Each food package helped the riders immensely, and the riders were thankful for the gesture, and some took to TikTok to thank everyone who sent food packages.
@aktaasli Terharuu 🥺 trimkasih orang baik #ojoltiktok #tiktok #akta #viralvideo ♬ suara asli – AKTA
Aside from Indonesia, the Philippines has been fighting against corruption, with the University of the Philippines’, Cordillera people, and other partylists in the country are protesting against the corruption that’s plaguing the country. Thailand also had its fair share of protests against the corrupt practices that caused tension between the Thai and Cambodian governments. Amidst these tensions, the #SEAblings movement united the region during trying times, as citizens aired out their common sentiments online and expressed solidarity for their Southeast Asian neighbors.
Deborah Tampubolon, an Indonesian citizen, shared her thoughts with SEA Wave on Indonesia’s current undertakings, “There are a lot of people…giving their money, time, and power to not be silent in the midst of this desperation…We’re fighting for a better Indonesia.”
As of today, Indonesia’s 17+8 demands has politicians promising to halt the housing allowances for Parliament, a promise for no tax hikes for the next year, and more. Moving forward, Indonesians are still hoping to see more changes, and these 2025 protests have proved that the people have become more politically engaged beyond the ballot box. All in all, the 17+8 demand of the people is asking the government to be transparent, responsible, and competent.
Despite the ongoing fight against injustice in various countries around the region, the #SEAblings movements that our Southeast Asian brethren are here to support and uplift each other even if times get tough.
SEA Wave Magazine’s SEAtizens initiative is a series of inspiring stories of people in Southeast Asia who champion the human spirit by demonstrating courage, ingenuity, generosity, and selflessness.