Foreign Support Reaches Ojol Riders on Indonesia’s Streets
As protests intensify across Indonesia, an unexpected wave of solidarity has emerged from abroad.
Since Saturday, August 30, 2025, foreign nationals have been ordering food and drinks through delivery apps in Indonesia and instructing riders to distribute them to fellow motorcycle taxi (Ojol (Ojek Online), or more familiar, Grab) riders on the streets.
The idea came from a viral post by user @/sighyam on X, which showed how people outside Indonesia could set the destination country to place local orders.
The user further explained the details and tutorial on how to aid these drivers.
Messages of Solidarity from Neighboring Countries
Social media quickly filled with messages from Southeast Asian neighbors.
One ojol driver shared an emotional video after receiving an order from Singapore. He described feeling overwhelmed by the gesture:
“Today I feel sad, happy, and touched, all mixed together. Sad because of what’s happening in our country. As small people, we feel the impact: many streets are closed, restaurants are shut, schools are suspended, and even offices are closed.
Our orders have dropped. But I also feel happy and moved because there are still many good people who care about us.
One of them is this order from Singapore, not even from Indonesia. They still care about us and the Indonesian people. Many orders like this came today; food or drinks that don’t need to be delivered, just to be shared and distributed among us.
My friends also got similar orders and shared them with us. It really moved me. Thank you, kind people. I am so touched.”
From Malaysia, one wrote, telling a driver not to deliver the food but to keep it and share it with fellow riders.
The driver responded with gratitude, praying for the sender’s health and family.
In Thailand, another participant sent meals to riders in Bandung with a message:
“This food is for the riders. Please share it with your friends and family. Solidarity with Indonesia from Thailand.”
The driver replied that he would distribute the food as instructed, adding his thanks on behalf of Indonesian drivers.
From the Philippines, a user sent water and food to drivers in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, after hearing about the demonstrations.
The driver even shared a photo of himself distributing the order to fellow riders.
The movement quickly spread beyond the region.
According to @/sighyam, people from Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, France, Germany, Vatican City, and Brazil have also taken part.
Indonesians Moved by International Kindness
Indonesians have reacted emotionally to the outpouring of support. Many said they were touched that neighbors showed such concern during the unrest.
“Sometimes our neighbors care more than our own government,” one Indonesian wrote online.
Another thanked Malaysian supporters, saying their help “means the world for our ojol brothers.”
Some also pointed out that the initiative helps small businesses as well as riders, since every order supports local food vendors struggling during the protest.
Indonesia’s Former Education and Culture Minister Praises ASEAN Solidarity
Former education and culture minister Anies Baswedan praised the campaign on X, describing it as a “warm gesture of solidarity” from ASEAN neighbors.
He wrote that although borders divide nations, a sense of kinship still unites them:
“Thank you, our brothers and sisters. This movement reminds us of the strong bonds of ASEAN solidarity.”
Protests Erupt Over Lawmakers’ Housing Allowance
The solidarity campaign comes as Indonesia faces one of its most volatile political crises in years.
Protests began on Monday, August 25, 2025, after it was revealed that all 580 members of parliament were receiving a monthly housing allowance of Rp50 million (approx. S$3,921), nearly ten times Jakarta’s minimum wage.
Demonstrators demanded that the allowance be scrapped and warned against any salary increases.
The unrest deepened on Thursday, August 28, when 21-year-old delivery driver Affan Kurniawan was killed after being run over by a police tactical vehicle in Jakarta.
Following this, the President visited the deceased’s (Affan Kurniawan) family, and the police expressed regret and formally apologized for the incident.
However, the tragedy only intensified public anger and fueled perceptions of a ruling elite indifferent to ordinary citizens.
His death sparked further outrage, drawing more ojol riders into the protests.
Deadly Protests Spread Across the Country
The protests, initially centered in Jakarta, soon spread to other cities, including Kuningan, Bandung, Makassar, Solo, Pontianak, and even Bali.
Demonstrations turned violent in several regions.
In Makassar, protesters set fire to the local parliament building, leaving four people dead, according to Tempo.
Nationwide, at least eight people have died, with reports of rioting, looting, and police clashes.
In Bali, students and drivers surrounded a police headquarters, leading to vandalism and arrests.
Across multiple cities, security forces used tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators, while rights groups condemned what they described as excessive force.
Government Under Pressure
President Prabowo Subianto, less than a year into his term, has faced harsh criticism over the crisis.
He initially urged calm but ordered law enforcement to take firm action against protesters.
In response to public anger, Prabowo announced cuts to lawmakers’ benefits and suspended overseas trips for parliamentarians.
Still, it is warned that the protests reflect deeper frustration over inequality, government accountability, and a political elite seen as disconnected from ordinary citizens.
Solidarity Shines Through Protest
Amid the turmoil, the campaign to send meals has offered a moment of relief.
For ojol drivers, who are both affected by and involved in the protests, the food is more than just sustenance; it is a sign that they are not alone.
Watch the video here:
@aktaasli Terharuu 🥺 trimkasih orang baik #ojoltiktok #tiktok #akta #viralvideo
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