October 20 Protest: Voicing the Oppression of the People

Mr. Prabowo
We thought life would be easier
In the past, when we heard the promise of a Golden Indonesia, we hoped
For better jobs. Adequate income. Affordable prices
We imagined we could be a bit more at ease
Now, every time we read economic news, we are back to counting the money left
For us, the future also means: will there be enough to shop tomorrow?
When we read news of burning forests and residents inhaling smoke, we wonder
How much longer will they have to worry every time they breathe?
Then news of alleged corruption in disaster funds arises
This matter must be investigated thoroughly
People in need of assistance have the right to receive what is due to them.
To earn income, we need gasoline
But when we have to wait in line, our work time decreases
Meanwhile, household needs can't wait
When the power goes out, our businesses are also disrupted
We wait for the power to come back. Jobs wait to be done
Bills still have due dates
Mr. Prabowo, we still want to believe
But lately, it feels increasingly difficult to feel at ease
We still hope for a Golden Indonesia in 2045.
But, sir... to get there, we need to survive today

SOME lines of life’s “oppression” that I found from posts on the account @baliwakenews resonate incredibly with the feelings of many citizens in this republic.

The current reality of life must be honestly acknowledged, it is not well at all.

Forget the statement from Deputy Minister of Economic Coordination, Dradjad Hari Wibowo at the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) Jakarta, on October 12, 2026, denying that our purchasing power is weakening.

His rebuttal was that purchasing power has not weakened, but there has been a significant shift in consumption patterns among the public (Kompas.com, October 12, 2026).

I only see Dradjad Wibowo is “enjoying” being a new official so much that he follows the creed commonly used by presidential aides to always issue statements that please the President.

Meanwhile, if Dradjad wants a real picture, he should ditch the white Maung official’s car, without a voojrider escort, not wear an expensive batik shirt, and mingle with motorcycle taxi drivers stationed near the Harjamukti LRT Station, Depok, or chat with vegetable vendors at Badung Market, Denpasar, Bali, or retirees who like to exercise in the morning at Sanata Dharma University Soccer Field in Gejayan, Yogyakarta.

Whenever I mingle with ordinary people in various regions, their complaints are almost uniform. One of them is about being categorized as a decile among middle to upper welfare owners.

Imagine those who work as motorcycle taxi drivers because they lack stable work, still renting, and have uncertain incomes, yet classified as decile 7 or even 9.

Meanwhile, a council member in Yogyakarta serving as treasurer for the ruling party is classified as decile 4, that is, vulnerable to poverty and eligible for social assistance.

The oppression of the community today is reflected in how difficult it is to find jobs and business opportunities. When government institutions are pressed for efficiency, work from ministries/agencies for outsiders becomes severely limited.

When pulled to local governments, cuts in regional transfers and revenue-sharing funds (DBH) from the Center greatly affect local government spending.

Even more sadly, calls for frugality or efficiency prove to be just sweet jargon. The central government is so lavish with national strategic programs whose benefits can still be debated.

The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) and the Red and White Village Cooperatives (KDMP) actually receive top priority.

If you visit Nanggulan and travel along Jalan Ngampilan – Tegalrejo – Gamping – Pasar Godean to the Progo River Bridge marking the boundary between Sleman and Kulonprogo, you will find several KDMPs that have already been completed.