September 5, 2025 | 08:52 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The August 2025 public protests, marked by a palpable anti-elite sentiment and social class polarization, were not a spontaneous event. According to a new analysis from the Monash Data and Democracy Research Hub, this dynamic is the culmination of political and social frustrations that have been building since the 2024 election.
The research team analyzed nearly 10 million digital conversations across social media and news platforms, focusing on 13,780 original posts from August 25 to 31, 2025. Their findings revealed that 29.1% of the conversations were classified as toxic, with a sharp increase between August 28 and 30. This spike coincided with the escalation of violence following the death of online ride-hailing driver Affan Kurniawan.
"This polarization stems from the tension between privileged groups, political elites, officials, and economic stakeholders versus the vulnerable working and middle classes. The August protests only reaffirm this gap," said Derry Wijaya, Co-Director of Monash Data and Democracy Research, in a report co-authored with Ika Idris.
The researchers found that 20% of the conversations were polarized, with anger as the dominant emotion (47.3%). However, they noted that polarization is not purely destructive. "It also functions as a bond of solidarity among vulnerable communities," the report stated.
Public emotions fluctuated from initial anticipation to a peak of anger, later mixed with sadness, fear, and surprise. Social media served as a crucial space for people to articulate a collective "people versus the elite" narrative.
The study also documented a shift in the "17+8 Movement," where anger was gradually replaced with more neutral or even joyful sentiments. The focus of the digital conversation shifted from raw emotion to a focus on tangible solutions and symbolic acts of solidarity.
Monash suggests that this trend of polarization has been consistent since September 2023, evident throughout the 2024 national and regional elections.
The August 2025 demonstrations, therefore, represent the peak of public rejection of the opulent lifestyle of certain political elites amidst widespread economic hardship.
Based on their findings, the report offered several recommendations to the government:
1. Acknowledge the class tensions and the widening gap with the public.
2. Provide transparent and concrete responses, avoiding repression.
3. Stop glorifying the luxurious lifestyles of officials.
4. Strengthen safe and accountable channels for public grievances.
"These protests were not incited by external actors, but rather a reflection of the accumulation of public frustrations over the past two years. Disregarding these signals will only worsen the crisis of trust," the report concluded.
Editor’s Choice: Indonesian Parliament Issues 6-Point Plan in Response to 17+8 People's Demands
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesian Parliament Issues 6-Point Plan in Response to 17+8 People's Demands
42 menit lalu
The House of Representatives (DPR) held an internal meeting on Thursday, September 4, to address the 17+8 People's Demands.
400 Indonesians in Netherlands March in Solidarity with 17+8 People's Demands
1 jam lalu
The Dutch Solidarity Movement (GSB) held a solidarity walk to the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague, Netherlands on Thursday, Sept. 5.
Thai Influencer Faces Doxing Threats for Posting About Indonesian Protests
1 jam lalu
A Thai national Yammi said he frequently uploads content related to the mass protests that have been taking place in Indonesia since late August.
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesian Gov't to Provide Rp5-15 Million Aid for Protest Victims
2 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Military Addresses Viral Arrest of Intelligence Agent in Jakarta Protest
3 jam lalu
The Indonesian Military (TNI) confirmed that the person arrested by the police during an Aug. 28 protest in Jakarta is its intelligence agent.
Students Stage 'Peaceful Picnic' Protest at Jakarta Parliament Building to Push for Government Action
5 jam lalu
Hundreds of students from Universitas Padjajaran (Unpad) gathered at the House of Representatives (DPR) building in Central Jakarta on Friday, Sept. 5
Prabowo Seeks to Overhaul Indonesia's Election System, Says Senior Minister
5 jam lalu
The government plans to revise the General Elections Law as President Prabowo Subianto aims to reform the political system.
Police Seize Three Books from Lokataru Director's Apartment
7 jam lalu
The search of the personal residence of Delpedro Marhaen is suspected to be a violation of procedure.
Jakarta Metro Police Reports Rp180 Billion in Losses After Protests
10 jam lalu
The figure calculated by the Jakarta Metro Police includes losses at police headquarters, police stations, and smaller units.
BEM SI Says Uncertain on Friday Protest as Palace Pledges to Forward Demands to Prabowo
11 jam lalu
BEM SI urges Prabowo to promptly form an investigation team for alleged treason during protests.
