Several Southeast Asian (ASEAN) citizens have shown solidarity with Indonesians following widespread demonstrations in recent days.

Netizens on X (formerly Twitter) have been ordering food through apps like Grab and Gojek to share freely with online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers and demonstrators.

How ASEAN Citizens Are Helping Indonesian Ojol Drivers Amidst Demonstrations

Malaysian user @izwanhs shared a screenshot of his Grab order totaling Rp92,600 from a chicken dish vendor.

He wrote, "We Malaysians continue to back the Indonesian people against corruption! I just ordered food for Grab drivers in Indonesia, hope you all are well there!"

Another Malaysian, @smin_nr, posted a screenshot showing 32 orders of nasi uduk worth over Rp1.6 million.

She said, "I am using all I can to help. From my heart, I hope this eases your burden. Eat well and stay strong, Indonesian friends. Love from Malaysia."

Social Media Drives Cross-Border Support for Indonesian Demonstrators

This campaign followed a post by ASEAN PR officer @sighyam, who urged X users to support Indonesian Grab drivers working during the protests after the death of Affan Kurniawan, an ojol driver killed by a police tactical vehicle near the Indonesian parliament on August 28.

"Friends, I just found out that we can support Grab drivers in Indonesia who continue working on the streets despite the demonstrations because Grab allows deliveries across Southeast Asian countries," @sighyam wrote on August 30. He also explained how to order food to Indonesia via Grab.

The Role of Online Food Delivery Apps in ASEAN Solidarity Movements

Many Indonesian netizens responded with gratitude. A female ojol driver from Medan said, "Thank you for your kindness; this means a lot to us.

Since the protests, work is harder, especially for women, and we fear unexpected dangers." Others expressed heartfelt thanks to ASEAN supporters.

The initiative was also followed by Indonesians abroad, who ordered ojol deliveries in support.

Voices from the Ground: Indonesian Drivers and the Impact of Regional Support

The demonstrations across Indonesian cities last week protested the high wages and benefits for members of parliament amid difficult economic conditions.

Protesters demanded higher labor wages, worker welfare, abolition of outsourcing, justice for Affan Kurniawan and other victims, release of detained protesters, and an end to police violence.

PHOTO: ANTARA/HAFIDZ MUBARAK A

This article was created with AI assistance.