Hundreds of Indonesian workers gathered in Jakarta on Saturday to express support for President Prabowo Subianto. Meanwhile, hundreds of women took to the streets to oppose his administration’s policies. The contrasting demonstrations highlighted growing divisions over the president’s leadership and government decisions.
The pro-government rally came amid allegations that police officials illegally intercepted Prabowo’s communications. At the same time, public criticism of his administration has intensified over expensive populist programmes, ongoing forest fires and concerns about investor confidence.
Workers Mobilise in Support of Prabowo
Labour Party Chairperson Said Iqbal led the workers’ demonstration, calling for national unity and support for Prabowo’s presidency. He also warned that union members could mobilise against individuals threatening the president’s position.
Speaking during the rally, Said emphasised his organisation’s ability to respond to potential unrest.
“We can mobilise members of our organisation across every town, every factory,” Said, a special adviser to the president, was quoted as saying. “We are prepared to respond at any moment to maintain order should any unrest arise, whether instigated by foreign interests or by individuals seeking to cause trouble.”
His remarks came as the administration faced growing criticism from different sections of Indonesian society. Consequently, Saturday’s demonstration offered a visible show of support for Prabowo amid mounting political pressure.
Wiretapping Allegations Expose Political Tensions
The workers’ rally also took place against the backdrop of a growing police wiretapping scandal. Indonesian authorities have named four senior police officials as suspects over allegations of attempting to intercept Prabowo’s communications.
One of the suspects is a former police chief known for his loyalty to former President Joko Widodo, widely known as Jokowi.
The investigation has drawn attention to tensions between Prabowo and his predecessor, who previously supported his political rise. Moreover, the allegations have exposed divisions within Indonesia’s political establishment.
Jokowi has stated that he respects the legal process. Meanwhile, a lawyer representing one of the four suspects said his client would cooperate with investigators.
The case has added another layer of uncertainty to the country’s political situation, particularly as questions emerge about relationships between influential political figures.
Women March Against Government Policies
While workers demonstrated their support for Prabowo, civil society organisations organised a separate women’s march in Jakarta on Saturday.
The demonstrators demanded stronger women’s rights and challenged several government policies. Their concerns included the administration’s handling of forest fires, its costly free-meal programme and a tax imposed on women’s sanitary products.
The forest fires have continued for months, drawing criticism over the government’s response. Furthermore, protesters raised concerns about the financial implications of the administration’s free-meal initiative.
The tax on sanitary products also featured among the issues that prompted women to join the demonstration. Through the march, participants sought greater attention to women’s rights and policies affecting their everyday lives.
Protests Against Prabowo Continue
Saturday’s demonstrations followed several months of public protests against Prabowo’s administration. Student groups have also organised rallies in the capital and other Indonesian cities.
Last week’s student demonstrations focused on the ongoing forest fires and government policies. These protests reflected broader dissatisfaction with the administration’s decisions and priorities.
Meanwhile, concerns about expensive populist measures and weakening investor confidence have added to the challenges facing Southeast Asia’s largest economy.
The contrasting rallies on Saturday highlighted two different responses to Prabowo’s presidency. While organised workers pledged their support, women and civil society groups continued demanding policy changes and greater accountability.
As demonstrations continue, the administration faces pressure from both supporters seeking political stability and protesters calling for changes to government policies.
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