September 7, 2026 | 04:21 pm
Party politicians are suspected of riding on the August 27, 2026, protests. This could fuel disappointment and trigger further mass protests.
DEMONSTRATIONS by the United Pati People’s Alliance (AMPB) in Jakarta on August 27, 2026, showed the political elite’s skill in manipulating public aspirations. Civil society movements, meanwhile, are also vulnerable to co-optation.
In front of House of Representatives leaders, the AMPB urged politicians at the Senayan complex to pass the Asset Forfeiture Bill. They also demanded the death penalty for corruptors. The House has pledged to complete deliberations on the bill before the end of the year. House Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad promised to resign if the bill failed to pass.
The AMPB’s demands appear noble. The public has long been frustrated by various corruption cases, particularly following the weakening of the Corruption Eradication Commission. Passing an asset forfeiture law is considered as a possible solution to the injustices arising from such misconduct. The problem is that the bill opens opportunities for backroom deals between politicians or law enforcement officials and those accused of corruption even though they have not yet been found guilty. Asset forfeiture, if pursued seriously, can make use of various existing laws.
Thus, the AMPB’s demands are suspected of not being entirely genuine. A Tempo investigation found Gerindra Party politicians behind the mobilization of the Pati community alliance from Central Java. In Jakarta, House leaders met with them late at night before the protest. Through a House leader’s mobile phone, they even communicated with President Prabowo Subianto.
It is hardly surprising that the AMPB focused solely on two main issues: asset forfeiture and the death penalty for corruptors. They set aside the chaotic policies of the Prabowo administration that are not in the public interest, issues frequently raised by civil society groups and student alliances.
There have long been reports that the Prabowo administration has grown uneasy with protests that have taken place in several regions over the past year. In particular, it has been concerned about those demanding an end to the free nutritious meal program and the red-and-white village cooperatives. Not only do these projects waste public funds, they are also vulnerable to abuse. The free nutritious meal program has proven to be a feeding ground for cronies. The asset forfeiture issue is expected to help temper criticism of the two priority projects of President Prabowo.
On the ground, civil society groups are divided. The Pati Ora Sepele community, which joined the AMPB last year in opposing the increase in land and building tax rates in Pati Regency, did not participate in the action at the House. On the same day, most of the civil society coalition in Jakarta chose to join the Kamisan (Thursday) Action in front of the State Palace to commemorate the first anniversary of the August 2025 tragedy that killed online motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan. Representatives of civil society organizations in Yogyakarta also did not include the Asset Forfeiture Bill in their demands.
The authorities’ success in dividing and co-opting civil society groups has clearly weakened resistance. If left unaddressed, it could eventually create a damaging perception: that civil society movements can be controlled through issues ordered by those in power. The result would be public antipathy toward demonstrations. Civil society movements would lose their legitimacy.
Civil society should close ranks. The AMPB deserves appreciation for its militancy and its success in keeping the flame of resistance alive. After successfully voicing a local issue—the rejection of higher land and building tax rates in Pati last year—they brought a national issue to Jakarta. Pati activists need to be protected from the intervention and temptations of the political elite.
The government and House politicians should not puff out their chests thinking they have succeeded in taming the August 27, 2026, protest. Suppressing a demonstration by dividing protesters may appear clever, but it actually oversimplifies the problem. Demonstrators must be heard. The demands they bring should serve as raw material for reform.
Turning a blind eye and deaf ear to public aspirations will only breed disappointment and lead to further demonstrations.
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