Thursday (22/8) was a turbulent day in front of the Indonesian House of Representatives Building . Thousands of people took to the streets, holding a demonstration as a form of protest against the DPR RI Legislation Body (Baleg) Working Committee meeting. The meeting discussed the Revision of the Regional Head Election Law (UU Pilkada), which was considered to have the potential to annul the Constitutional Court's decision number 60 of 2024. For the demonstrators, this step was seen as an attempt to "thwart democracy", triggering public unrest and anger.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the demonstration, an interesting phenomenon emerged. Usually, moments like this are fertile ground for street vendors to make a profit by selling various drinks and snacks. However, this time there was something different. Some street vendors chose to distribute food for free to the demonstrators.
This spontaneous and sincere action went viral on social media. Posts on platform X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram showed touching moments when street vendors distributed free food. Netizens were moved by the solidarity shown by these small traders towards the protesters' struggle.
This incident is a reminder that behind the political tension and the hustle and bustle of demonstrations, there are still human sides that can touch the heart . The caring actions of these street vendors are not just about providing food, but also providing encouragement and moral support for the demonstrators.
They see how people flock to help each other and give support. But they are sad to see how the Indonesian government is today.
"The people care about each other, why do members of the DPR act like that, it's a shame how can they act so arbitrarily, don't they have any SHAME in themselves?" said @immanuel_liemtanudisastro.
"This is just from the people, for the people, by the people," said @fitria.insta.
"Oh my goodness, I'm really healthy," said @anmaliaaa
"Our government is not ashamed to see this?" said @_marysanju.
Below, brilio.net has collected from various sources the moments when traders distributed free food and services to demonstrators, Friday (23/7).
foto: X/@GunRomli
1. A street vendor is seen distributing free snacks to the demonstrators. The video shared by @GunRomli shows the vendor shouting, "Free! Free!" Immediately, the vendor was immediately surrounded by the protesters to take his food.
foto: X/@_ranamera
2. There were also mothers who distributed market snacks to the demonstrators. The mothers were seen carrying simple banners made of cardboard that said "Free food & drinks". She invited them to take enough food.
foto: Instagram/@awreceh.id
3. There are also those who distribute free drinks while carrying pick-ups. With these moments of people helping each other, it makes you touched, right?
foto: X/@humaniesproject
4. There are also traders who distribute free food from community fundraising. So, food can be distributed for free to any protester who wants to take it.
foto: X/@JhonSitorus_18
5. Apparently there is also a story about an online motorcycle taxi driver who did not want to be paid when taking protesters to the DPR RI building. "To buy drinks for you and your friends, as my participation. Sorry, I can't join you yet," said the online motorcycle taxi driver, which was narrated again by the X account @JhonSitorus_18.