Gita Sjahrir and Jeremy Au analyze Indonesia’s nationwide protests to uncover how economic frustration, political tone-deafness, and social media reshaped the country’s trust in government. They discuss how widening income gaps and stalled reforms triggered anger across generations, how empathy and governance broke down, and how technology became both a rallying force and a regulatory battleground. Their conversation highlights the urgent need for reform, the rise of citizen activism, and the lessons Southeast Asia can draw from Indonesia’s call for accountability and change.

02:00 Economic anger ignited mass protests: Gita recounts how outrage over parliamentary pay and weak economic growth led to demonstrations in 33 cities across Indonesia.

03:35 Lawmakers’ high pay exposed inequality: Parliament members earning over $200,000 a year contrasted sharply with citizens living on a $5,000 GDP per capita.

06:46 Empathy collapsed in leadership: Gita explains how tone-deaf remarks and government inaction during hardship revealed a lack of care for ordinary people.

11:20 Citizens demanded reform through “17+8 Tuntutan”: Protesters called for salary freezes, free speech protections, and limits on military involvement in civilian life.

15:00 Political shifts followed public pressure: A new finance minister emerged, promising transparency and empathy amid policy reshuffles.

18:48 Structural reforms proved elusive: Bureaucratic red tape, poor SME support, and a lack of deregulation trapped Indonesia in slow growth.

21:29 TikTok ban worsened SME struggles: A freeze on TikTok Live and Shop disrupted small businesses that relied on digital sales for survival.

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