The enabling environment for civil society in Indonesia has experienced a marked deterioration, characterised by intensified restrictions and heightened tensions between state authorities and civic actors. Nationwide protests, initially sparked by economic grievances such as proposed tax increases and perceived legislative members’ extravagance, escalated dramatically following the death of gig worker Affan Kurniawan on 28 August, resulting in over 3,000 arbitrary arrests.Excessive use of force by security personnel, including tear gas, water cannon, and rubber bullets, severely undermined freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.
Digital censorship, platform suspensions, and surveillance further constrained online mobilisation, while funding for grassroots organisations declined amid reductions in international donor support and bureaucratic impediments.
Opportunities for collaboration emerged in open government initiatives, yet urgent regulatory reforms and diversified resources are essential to mitigate authoritarian trends and foster inclusive participation.
