Most recently anti-authoritarians came together for the Perhimpunan Merdeka pre-congress somewhere in Indonesia to work towards an anarchist federation. (instagram.com)

A comrade involved in this event reports on an uprising currently taking place in Indonesia, which until now received too little media coverage internationally.

To understand the background better, check out this translation of a leaflet distributed by anarchists as part of the movement in the city of Makassar on March 20th. It was originally published on perhimpunanmerdeka.wordpress.com.

The TNI (Indonesian Military) Bill is Not Just Another Law—It’s a Declaration of War Against the People’s Freedom!

This ARMED OLIGARCHY REGIME seeks to restore military dominance over all aspects of life, repeating the New Order era when the army was a tool of oppression!

Backed by numerous political parties, former activists, influencers, and opportunistic intellectuals, they are eager to embed the military into civilian institutions, ensuring total control over people’s lives. From the Attorney General’s Office, ministries, and civil agencies to the distribution of rice and fertilizers, even matters of farmland and free meal programs—everything is designed to secure oligarchic interests and keep the people submissive under military boots!

They talk about “Military Operations Other Than War,” but their real intention is clear: to free the military from parliamentary oversight, giving them unchecked legitimacy to act as they please! This means we can expect more enforced disappearances, land grabs from citizens and indigenous communities, destruction of forests and oceans, and open repression against those who dare to resist!

Even worse, the military is now meddling in food supplies, LPG distribution, and national projects! This is the true face of state capitalism—the military as the enforcer of capitalists, ensuring the people remain below a decent living standard and powerless!

The TNI Bill Must Be Resisted! We Do Not Need the Military in Civilian Affairs!

Build people’s power from below through local councils, factory councils, workplaces, campuses, villages, cooperatives, and economic networks to replace this corrupt social structure!

Organize grassroots resistance through autonomous action committees!

Drive back armed domination!
Kick the military out of civilian affairs!
Take back control over our lives!

No Masters, No Slaves!
Solidarity, Freedom, and Justice for All!

Perhimpunan Merdeka – Makassar

Apparently there are riots happening across the country. Many youths are on the Streets using anarchist symbols. Riot cops attack the movement and even hijack ambulances with injured activists who were supposed to be treated in hospital. Police stations and regional parliaments are attacked.

For more information on Perhimpunan Merdeka check out this interview.

More info on the developments will probably be provided later. Stay tuned!