Indonesia is experiencing waves of demonstrations triggered by a parliamentary pay rise that authorities have since reversed. Vandals have damaged public facilities, including regional parliament buildings, while looters have targeted the homes of several MPs and ministers.
SBS Indonesian spoke with Australian residents with connection to Indonesia to find out if the Indonesian diaspora has concerns about the situation.
Michael Raditya said he worries about the situation based on traumatic experiences during the 1998 riots. The "citizens protecting citizens" movement on social media gives him hope, Raditya said, though he has organised visas for his family should the situation deteriorate.
[I] don't blame the protesters but the provocateurs.Victoria Winata
Victoria Winata shares similar concerns. But Winata said she believes Indonesian society resists provocation and remains capable of protecting one another.
Dr Siauw Tiong Djin, an Indonesian political observer in Australia, said he believes young people can help maintain Indonesian unity by understanding history and thinking critically about the information they receive. This matters especially in our information age, where false news spreads easily, Dr Tiong Djin said.
Dr Siauw Tiong Djin, an Indonesian political observer based in Australia. Credit: Supplied
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