On Sunday, October 12th, 2025, I joined thousands of fellow Indonesians in an emotional and powerful rally held near the iconic Patung Kuda, close to Monas, Jakarta. The event was titled "Indonesia Lawan Genosida" (Indonesia Against Genocide), and it was a peaceful demonstration to raise awareness and show solidarity with oppressed communities suffering from Gaza Genocide.
The day began with overcast skies, yet that didn't stop people from arriving early. I arrived around 8:30 AM, and the area was already filled with passionate citizens from different backgrounds. Some brought flags of Indonesia and Palestinr, banners, and signs with messages like "Stop Genocide in Gaza", "Save Childern of Gaza" and "Palestinian Rights Are Human Rights". Others wore black and white clothes, symbolizing the sanctity of life and victims of genocide.
The atmosphere was peaceful but filled with a deep sense of urgency and empathy. Volunteers passed out pamphlets explaining the cause, recent developments around the world, and the importance of speaking up. Organizers reminded us that this was a nonviolent protest rooted in compassion and conscience.
At 9:00 AM, the rally officially began with a moment of silence to honor the victims of ongoing Gaza Genocide. It was a somber yet uniting moment. Afterward, several speakers took the stage: human rights activists, survivors, religious leaders, and students. One of the most moving speeches came from a young survivor of Gaza Genocide, who reminded us that silence can be as dangerous as violence.
As I stood among the crowd, I felt both sadness and hope. Sadness for the injustices happening to innocent lives, and hope because I could see that people cared---deeply. We chanted together: "From River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free!" and "Stop Genocide Now!" Our voices echoed through the streets of Jakarta.
Later, we marched from Patung Kuda toward Monas, escorted by the police in a peaceful and orderly way. Along the route, people held hands, waved banners, and sang songs of unity. Strangers greeted each other with warmth and shared water, snacks, and encouraging words. For a moment, it felt like the world wasn't so divided after all.
By noon, the event concluded with a prayer session---open to all beliefs. It wasn't about religion; it was about humanity. People prayed in silence, each according to their own faith, for peace, justice, and strength to continue the fight against cruelty.
That day left a mark on me. It reminded me that as individuals, we may not have political power, but we do have a voice---and when our voices come together, they can shake the world.
Joining "Indonesia Lawan Genosida" was more than just attending a rally. It was an act of conscience. It was proof that Indonesians do care about the world beyond our borders. And most of all, it was a statement: that humanity must come first, always.
Follow Instagram @kompasianacom juga Tiktok @kompasiana biar nggak ketinggalan event seru komunitas dan tips dapat cuan dari Kompasiana. Baca juga cerita inspiratif langsung dari smartphone kamu dengan bergabung di WhatsApp Channel Kompasiana di SINI