The streets of Indonesia have been shaken by anti-government rallies—fueled by anger over corruption and the rising cost of living. Tensions have boiled over, leaving the nation restless and its people demanding change.
But amid the chaos, there’s a sigh of relief for Filipinos. According to the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta and the Consulate General in Manado, no overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have so far been reported harmed or directly affected by the unrest.
There are around 6,002 Filipinos in Indonesia, with nearly 1,800 based in Jakarta alone. Authorities continue to urge them to stay indoors, remain vigilant, and avoid protest sites to ensure their safety.
The warnings come after a tragic incident last week, when a civilian was killed after being struck by a police vehicle during violent clashes. The accident sparked outrage and calls for police reform. In response, Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri issued a public apology and announced that the seven officers involved would be detained for 20 days for violating ethics rules.
In a bid to ease tensions, President Prabowo Subianto addressed the nation on Sunday. He revealed that Indonesian political parties had agreed to revoke certain perks and privileges for parliamentarians, hoping this move would calm the protests and restore public trust.
For now, the situation remains volatile. And while Filipinos in Indonesia remain safe, the Embassy continues to monitor developments closely—urging all kababayans to put their safety first as the unrest unfolds.
