In August and September 2025, following the killing of a motorcycle taxi (ojek) driver during protests against government corruption and police brutality in Jakarta, Indonesia erupted in a massive popular uprising that shook the regime of President Prabowo, a former military officer. In the aftermath of the unrest, the ruling elite blamed “anarchists” for the disorder and launched mass arrests of thousands of young people across major cities, accusing them of involvement in the protests.
Across the country, young people were abducted by the Densus 88 counterterrorism unit and tortured into giving false confessions. The regime targeted young people in the streets, motorcycle taxi drivers, IT workers, activists, punks, journalists, musicians, and many others, all accused of committing serious “crimes.”
Most were detained for months without due process. Access to legal assistance was restricted. Many cases proceeded with little public attention, while the defendants and their families were forced to bear severe economic, psychological, and social burdens.
To this day, some of them continue to face long and exhausting legal proceedings. Among them are Komar in Surabaya, Dena in Bandung, Mpe in Bandung, Dani in Bandung, Kuple in Bandung, Fadil in Bandung, and Amal in Makassar. These names represent only a small fraction of those who have been targeted by state repression and criminalization.
For this reason, solidarity is more than a slogan. It is a real and urgent necessity. Material and moral support from one another is one way to ensure that those facing criminalization are not left to struggle alone.
We, the Informal Solidarity Network for Political Prisoners of the “Anarchist” Cluster, are raising funds to cover legal expenses for these prisoners. We urgently need additional resources, as three other detainees have not received any legal representation at all.
You can contribute by purchasing the “Black Cross – Kinksters” T-shirt.
Size S M X XXL : 12 USD (t-shirt mock up attached)
“The species that acquire habits of mutual aid are undoubtedly the fittest. They have the greatest chances of survival.”
— Peter Kropotkin, Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution
Spread the word. Build solidarity. Do not let them face repression alone.
palanghitam@riseup.net
source: Act For Freedom