South Asia’s Gen Z Protests: A Call for Change from Nepal to Indonesia

Across South Asia, an unprecedented wave of protests led by Gen Z activists is reshaping political landscapes in countries like Nepal and Indonesia. These protests, often sparked by governmental actions perceived as unjust, have resulted in significant violence and unrest, challenging the authority of ruling elites.

In Nepal, clashes with government forces escalated drastically last week, resulting in the deaths of dozens and injuries to more than 2,000 individuals. The unrest erupted after the government imposed a ban on popular social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, citing the need to combat fake news and hate speech. This decision prompted tens of thousands of young people, many of them teenagers, to take to the streets.

K. Oanh Ha, host of Bloomberg’s Big Take Asia podcast, reported that the youth-led protests quickly gained momentum, evolving into a broader anti-government movement addressing corruption and youth unemployment. Activists branded this uprising as the “Gen Z protests,” reflecting the demographic’s pivotal role in driving change.

The Nepali government lifted the social media ban just one day after its implementation, but protests intensified. Within days, Sushila Karki, a former chief justice, was appointed as interim prime minister following the resignation of Nepal’s prime minister. The government has pledged to hold elections in March 2024.

The situation in Indonesia mirrors that of Nepal, with widespread protests erupting in late August after lawmakers were awarded substantial housing allowances, nearly ten times the national minimum wage. This decision, coupled with the tragic death of a motorcycle delivery driver during a confrontation with police, ignited anger among young Indonesians, leading to violent clashes with law enforcement.

Karishma Vaswani, a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion, emphasized the growing rage among Asia’s youth. Many feel disconnected from governance and perceive the political system as rigged against them. She noted, “Young people across Asia are really, really angry. They feel hopeless and marginalized.”

Protests in both Nepal and Indonesia are part of a broader trend across South Asia. In Sri Lanka, recent protests led to the resignation of the cabinet due to soaring living costs, while in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country amid escalating unrest. Each of these movements shares a common thread: a young population grappling with high unemployment, economic instability, and rampant corruption.

In Nepal, the protests were fueled by social media images showcasing the extravagant lifestyles of political elites, starkly contrasting the daily struggles of ordinary citizens. This stark inequality is echoed throughout the region. Vaswani pointed out that in Nepal, youth unemployment stands at roughly 20%. The disconnect between young people’s aspirations and the realities they face is pushing many to demand change.

In Indonesia, the anger over the housing allowances of lawmakers was exacerbated when images of politicians celebrating their raises circulated widely, perceived as a slap in the face to those struggling to find stable employment. When the delivery driver’s death occurred, it catalyzed protests marked by violence and looting, underscoring the depth of frustration among the populace.

As the situation unfolds, the question remains: what will come next for these movements? While there are signs of a return to normalcy in some areas, the potential for continued unrest looms large. The responses from governments will be critical in shaping the future of political engagement among youth.

Vaswani warned that without effective solutions to address the concerns of young citizens, the region could face a cycle of unrest similar to the Arab Spring, which saw youth movements met with violence and repression.

She advocated for the need for young voices to be integrated into governance structures. “Agency—the right to have a say in how their country is run—is essential,” she stated. “If that sense of agency is taken away, young people feel powerless and hopeless.”

Looking forward, the examples of Nepal and Indonesia serve as cautionary tales for other nations grappling with similar issues. Countries like Bangladesh, where a respected interim leader engages with youth, might provide a roadmap for effectively addressing the growing demands for change.

As young people across Asia continue to galvanize for change, the urgency of their demands cannot be overstated. The outcomes of these protests may redefine not only their futures but also the political landscape of the region for years to come.