How Gen Z-led protests are rattling governments across Asia

Even though they happened 2,000 miles apart, deadly anti-government protests in Nepal and Indonesia have a common denominator: They are being led by Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012

Even though they happened 2,000 miles apart, deadly anti-government protests in Nepal and Indonesia have a common denominator: They are being led by Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012.

Though people under 30 make up about half the population in both Asian democracies, the immediate reasons for their outrage were different. In Nepal, demonstrations were set off by a social media ban, while in Indonesia anger erupted over lavish perks for government officials.

But they share the driving force of young people who are furious over a lack of jobs, rampant corruption and rising economic inequality.

“Young people are being forced into precarious types of employment, including young people with education,” said Vedi Hadiz, a professor of Asian studies at the University of Melbourne’s Asia Institute. “Young people are angry and feel unprotected or feel that their futures are not secure.”