Jakarta: Hundreds of Indonesian women joined the swelling wave of protests in Jakarta on Wednesday, carrying brooms as a symbol of sweeping away corruption and government excess. Organized by the Alliance of Indonesian Women, the demonstrators, many dressed in pink, called for reforms in police conduct, criticized extravagant state spending, and chanted slogans such as “Reform the police” and “Your sweet promises cause diabetes.”

The demonstrations were sparked by a fatal traffic accident involving a police vehicle and a motorcycle taxi driver, which ignited public anger and led to widespread protests. Rights groups report at least 10 deaths linked to the unrest, alongside incidents of looting and rioting across the country.

President Prabowo Subianto has suggested that extremist groups could be behind the escalating violence and pledged a firm response from security forces. His decision to travel to China for a military parade during the crisis has drawn criticism, though he later attempted to signal concern by scrapping some of the lavish perks for lawmakers, including a \$3,000 monthly housing allowance and paid overseas travel.

In Bandung, near Islamic and Pasundan Universities, clashes intensified as police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators protesting government spending and workers’ rights. Local reports confirmed at least eight fatalities, with several students injured by rubber bullets and tear gas causing respiratory distress. Human Rights Watch condemned the heavy-handed tactics, accusing security forces of criminalizing protesters.

The National Commission on Human Rights and the United Nations have both urged investigations into the handling of the protests and allegations of excessive use of force. Meanwhile, the arrest of a legal aid director on charges of incitement has further inflamed concerns about repression.

Student and civil society groups previously called off planned mass demonstrations in Jakarta due to heightened security, though protests remain active in regions such as Purwakarta and Yogyakarta. Despite limited concessions from the government, including the rollback of lawmakers’ privileges, anger continues to mount as Indonesians demand accountability and reform.

The unrest, now entering its second week, highlights deepening frustration with the government’s priorities and a growing mistrust of the country’s security forces. With women now visibly leading calls for change, the protests signal a broadening base of dissent against Indonesia’s leadership.