After the bloody unrest in Indonesia from August 28 to 31, many are wondering how the world is perceiving Indonesia now, as the unrest shows signs of easing, but with no real solutions in sight.
Diplomatic, human rights, and media reactions
United Nations & Human Rights Watch: The UN has called for prompt, thorough, and transparent investigations into protest-related deaths and urged protection of civil liberties and media freedom. Human Rights Watch has condemned the use of excessive force and called for restraint.
Global Travel Advisories: Countries including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Taiwan, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, France, and Japan are urging their citizens to avoid protest areas and exercise caution, signaling rising concern over instability.
Foreign Media: International outlets like The Guardian, Reuters, The Financial Times, and The Australian spotlight Indonesia’s crisis, drawing parallels to the 1998 Reformasi era and highlighting risks to democratic norms and economic stability.
It also appears in terms of the economic and business outlook
Investor Sentiment: Foreign businesses are growing uneasy. A Korean Chamber of Commerce representative cited anxious economic conditions and casualties as grounds for worry.
Economic Risk Premium: Analysts note that even if Indonesia’s macro fundamentals (like GDP growth and FX reserves) remain strong, political uncertainty and unrest are tipping investor sentiment negatively. The rupiah and stock index remain sensitive to this perception of instability.
Public solidarity and symbolic attention
Global Solidarity: Civil society groups abroad and diaspora communities are vocally supporting Indonesian protesters, amplifying concerns over democratic erosion and police brutality.
References:
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesian-police-fire-tear-gas-rubber-bullets-student-protesters-2025-09-02
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/02/indonesia-protests-explained-start-how-has-the-government-responded
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/mass-protests-sweep-indonesia-after-police-run-over-delivery-driver/news-story/29d2fcf31857e58e55c8777326a733f4
https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2025/08/31/businesses-on-edge-about-political-stability-as-protests-turn-chaotic.html
https://isafis.or.id/2025/04/23/the-dire-effects-of-indonesia-gelap-on-indonesias-international-position-a-crisis-beyond-borders
https://fusilatnews.com/dark-indonesia-international-media-spotlight-on-student-protests
