The colors of Indonesia protest movement

Indonesia is witnessing a unique wave of protest symbolism. What began as a trend on social media has evolved into a visual language of dissent, with bright green and pink becoming the colors of a growing movement challenging the government’s crackdown on protesters.

A color of solidarity
The color green became emblematic after Afan Kurniawan, a delivery driver, was tragically killed by a police vehicle during a demonstration. Afan was wearing the bright green jacket typical of delivery workers in Indonesia’s gig economy—a sector that reflects the country’s deep employment challenges

. His death struck a chord, and delivery drivers, donning their signature green jackets, began joining protests in solidarity, highlighting both their vulnerability and their growing political voice.

Pink hijabs and viral defiance
Pink soon followed green into the spotlight. A striking image went viral of a woman known as Anna, wearing a bright pink hijab as she confronted riot police, defiantly hitting them with a national flag pole.

Her bravery inspired hundreds of other women, who organized a pink-hijab march to Indonesia’s parliament in Jakarta. Pink quickly became a symbol of courage and a non-confrontational yet powerful way to express protest.

A new language of dissent
For many Indonesians, green and pink represent more than individual acts of heroism; they are simple, accessible, and safe ways to express discontent, especially online.

With the government cracking down on social media posts related to protests, colors offer a subtle yet unignorable form of resistance.

Tangible political impact
The “brave pink, hero green” movement has already scored a victory: lawmakers announced plans to scrap some of their lavish perks, including housing allowances nearly ten times Jakarta’s minimum wage.

These protests represent the largest unrest since Prabowo Subianto was elected president less than a year ago, reflecting growing public frustration over inequality, repression, and lack of job security.

A movement in motion
As government efforts to suppress the protests intensify,both on the streets and online,green and pink have emerged as vibrant symbols of a new kind of political expression in Indonesia.

They reflect a population finding innovative ways to challenge power, spotlighting a movement that goes beyond slogans and marches into a visual language of courage, solidarity, and hope. In Indonesia, colors are speaking louder than words.

Video Partner: DW