EDITORIAL — Violence and change

Turmoil isn’t just happening in Indonesia.

In Nepal, youth protesters have also taken to the streets to protest government corruption.

It all started when the Nepalese government decided to ban numerous social media platforms. When some people protested this one move, police got violent and ended up killing a number or protesters. Dissent turned to outrage and the protests become violent and more widespread.

These protests against banning social media platforms morphed into a call against corruption in the Nepalese government. The protests, which were being referred to as a “Gen Z movement”, have even resulted in the torching of Nepal’s parliament.

As a result of the unrest, the prime minister has decided to step down and Nepal’s ex-chief justice Sushila Karki has been chosen as interim prime minister.

Now there are talks to have elections in March 2026.

Like in Indonesia and Nepal, we want our people to be more aware of the shenanigans going on in the government, especially the younger ones. Like in Indonesia and Nepal, we want our people to demand accountability, also especially the younger ones. Like in Indonesia and Nepal, we want serious action taken. But unlike in Indonesia and Nepal, we don’t want our people to resort to violence.

Yes, change was achieved in Nepal. Well, at least something that we think may result in change. But at what cost? Instability. Widespread vandalism and destruction. People taking advantage of that instability and widespread vandalism and destruction. The fact that some people may develop a hunger for violent protest whenever they want to change something.

While we have always advocated for peaceful means to bring about change, we also have to acknowledge that sad fact that sometimes it has to take drastic action to bring about changes. However, the problem is that if change is carried out by force, then there might be issues on legitimacy. How are we sure it’s what everyone wants? How are we sure it will be beneficial to the majority?

It also opens the door to the possibility of even more violence. Or groups pushing for violence to carry out their own agenda.