TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The color pink dominated the Indonesian Women's Alliance (API) rally at the HI Roundabout in Central Jakarta today, Thursday, June 18, 2026. For the protesters, pink is not a mere visual identity, but a symbol of women's political resistance.
Afifah, the protest field coordinator, said pink is interwoven into the history of women's struggles, hence the use in today's rally. Pink also emphasizes women's standing in social and political movements.
"Pink is closely associated with the history of women's resistance. Pink is a symbol of courage," Afifah said when met on the sidelines of the protest on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
According to her, some still perceive women as mere accessories or followers of political movements, and today's use of pink illustrates how women can also become leaders in popular resistance movements.
"We are not just the followers of movements," she said, adding that today's rally deliberately centers women, who are deemed the group most affected by the current wave of economic turmoil in the country.
According to her, rising prices of basic necessities, the difficulty of finding employment, and various government policies have a direct impact on women's lives. "Women are the most disadvantaged group today with all the ongoing crises," said Afifah.
In addition to the color pink, the protesters also carried various kitchen utensils, such as pans and other cooking equipment. This symbolizes women's role in the everyday lives of a household.
Women are the most affected by the skyrocketing prices of household essentials since they are the ones dealing with it everyday. "We are the ones who feel the most when chili prices hike, rice prices rise, and all staple food prices increase," she said.
According to her, the kitchen utensils carried by the protesters conveyed the message that economic problems are not just about statistics but also concern the daily lives of people, especially women who manage household needs.
During the protest, API raised three key demands addressed to the Indonesian government: lowering the prices of basic necessities, creating job opportunities for citizens, and halting the free nutritious meals program (MBG).
Afifah said the protest also aimed to encourage the public to get involved in movements that fight for the people's interest. "The people's demands will be heard when we have a large crowd base," she said.
Today's rally, attended by approximately 300-400 people, ended around Jalan Kebon Sirih in Central Jakarta after the protesters claimed they were re-routed by the police to divert their protest at the Horse Statue and the State Palace.
Read: Women Protesters Push Past Police Blockade to Reach Jakarta Rally Site
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