It was the wedding of the daughter of a Nepalese politician that first angered Aditya. The 23-year-old activist was scrolling through his social media feed in May when he read complaints about how the high-profile marriage ceremony sparked huge traffic jams in the city of Bhaktapur. What riled him most were claims that a major road was blocked for hours for VIP guests, reportedly including the Nepalese prime minister. Though the claim was never verified, it ignited a sense of injustice.
Over subsequent months, Aditya observed more extravagances flaunted by politicians, particularly on social media. This culminated in on September 8, as he joined thousands of other young protesters on the streets of Kathmandu, determined to voice their discontent against corruption. In the wake of escalating demonstrations, some protests turned violent, leading to tragedies that claimed over 70 lives.
This unrest is not unique to Nepal; young people across Asia are rising against perceived injustices. Major protests in Indonesia and the Philippines, driven largely by Gen Z, echo a common frustration: deep-rooted corruption and stark socioeconomic inequalities. As these protests unfold, there's a shared belief amongst activists such as Aditya that this marks a new era of protester power, inspired by previous movements across the region.
Anger at the Auspiciously Rich: The Threat of 'Nepo Kids'
Much of this fervor zeroes in on the so-called nepo kids — children of powerful political figures who are perceived to benefit from their parents' status. The term carries a heavy load of resentment, as these individuals symbolize the entrenched corruption and privileged lifestyles that many feel are unattainable due to systemic inequalities. As protests gained momentum, imagery of luxury lifestyles shared by these individuals sparked further outrage.
Aditya and his peers, utilizing modern technology, notably social media, created and spread content through various platforms, rallying support while bypassing government-imposed restrictions. They expressed solidarity across borders, using hashtags like #SEAblings to unite movements against corruption in different nations.
Nevertheless, despite their spirited activism, the path to sustainable change remains fraught with obstacles. Many observers note that digital-driven protests often lack the structure necessary for long-lasting impact, relying too heavily on social outrage and fleeting hashtags.
As governments in the region scramble to respond to public outcries—largely by promising reforms—questions loom large over how these protests will affect the political landscape in the longer-term.
In this complex environment, with a generation demanding change—as they draw from the successes and failures of their predecessors—the urgency to translate online mobilization into tangible political action becomes increasingly critical.
