Indonesia has been gripped by a wave of protests in recent days, sparked by mass layoffs, economic hardship and political dissatisfaction. Demonstrations have erupted in Jakarta and some secondary cities, with reports of looting, clashes between protesters and authorities, and the tragic death of a delivery rider caught in the unrest.
In response, an independent grassroots movement has emerged online, driven by compassionate netizens on social media platforms like X and Threads. The initiative, highlighted by X user @/sighyam, outlines simple ways for people outside Indonesia to provide direct assistance.
By remotely ordering food through delivery apps like Grab, Gojek, or ShopeeFood, anyone can support local vendors and riders while also ensuring meals reach those in need.
How you can help Indonesian vendors and delivery riders
If you wish to contribute, you may follow these steps:
- Set your Grab or Gojek location to Indonesia 🇮🇩
- Choose a city such as Bandung, Bekasi, Jakarta, Makassar, Pontianak, Semarang, Solo, Surabaya, Tegal, or Yogyakarta.
- Use a hotel or landmark as the drop-off location.
- Order from small food vendors (e.g., bakso, soto, nasi padang) to sustain their livelihood.
- Leave a note for vendors and riders to share the food instead of delivering it: Tidak perlu hantar order ke hotel. Tolong kongsi makanan tu dengan sesiapa yang memerlukan.
(No need to deliver the order to the hotel. Please share the food with anyone who needs it.)
Important reminders
- Choose food that is simple and easy to deliver.
- Avoid ordering pork and alcohol.
- Place orders during the daytime to ensure riders’ safety.
Contributing medical supplies instead of food
If contributing medicine or supplies, you may arrange delivery to YLBHI Jakarta (see details provided in the circulating tweet below).
- Navigate to Grab Mart instead of Grab Food.
- Search for “Kotak P3K” – the term Indonesians use for first aid kits. Other medical supplies are listed below.
If available on Grab Mart or Gojek’s GoMart, you may donate:
- NaCl
- Oxygen
- Omeprazole
- Sterile cotton (kassa)
- Mineral water
- Mask
- Goggles
- Oven mits
- Betadine
- Bandages and plasters
- Paracetamol
- Cajuput oil (minyak kayu putih)
Here are the links to the original tweets on how to donate medical supplies:
https://x.com/barengwarga/status/1961304818565382473?s=46
https://x.com/sighyam/status/1961822960022331536?s=46
Digital solidarity in times of crisis
This movement exemplifies the power of digital solidarity, where ordinary individuals across borders can make a tangible difference during times of crisis. Every small gesture of support helps to provide relief and restore hope.
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