Misleading Video Links Indonesia Protest to Nepal Unrest
Misinformation regarding protests in Nepal has surfaced online, misleading viewers into believing that a recent video depicts unrest in the Himalayan nation. In reality, the footage shows demonstrations in Central Java, Indonesia, where locals protested against a controversial tax increase imposed by their regional leader.
The video, which began circulating on social media on September 9, 2025, featured a group of demonstrators attempting to tear down a gate while security personnel responded with a water cannon. The misattributed caption claimed the scene occurred in Nepal, stating, “The crowd demanding a coup in Nepal got out of control.” This misleading portrayal coincided with a period of significant turmoil in Nepal, where violent protests led to the ousting of the government in September, resulting in at least 73 deaths.
Demonstrations in Nepal escalated dramatically after a social media ban triggered widespread discontent related to corruption. Protesters stormed the parliament, ultimately leading to the resignation of the government and the emergence of the “Gen-Z” movement, which saw young activists selecting Sushila Karki, a former chief justice, as a candidate for leadership.
In contrast, the video in question actually originated from protests that took place in Pati Regency, Central Java, on August 13, 2025. The unrest was prompted by public outrage over a tax hike introduced by Regent Sudewo. As many as 100,000 people gathered to voice their discontent, demanding Sudewo’s resignation. During the protests, demonstrators attempted to storm the regional administration office, resulting in clashes with police who deployed tear gas and water cannons.
A detailed analysis of the video shared online confirmed its Indonesian origins. A reverse image search led to a longer version of the video posted on Instagram on August 14, with a caption in Indonesian describing the tense atmosphere during the protests. This was corroborated by reports from Channel News Asia, which detailed the scale and intensity of the protests in Central Java.
Additional evidence supporting the video’s true context includes live footage from the protest uploaded by Indonesian news outlet Kompas on YouTube on the same day. Other angles of the event were captured by Tribunnews, further confirming the location and details of the demonstration.
Key features visible in the circulating video, such as a distinctive tower and a pillar, matched Google Street View imagery of the regional administration office, supporting claims that the video was indeed recorded in Indonesia.
Previously, AFP has debunked similar instances of misinformation linking footage from Indonesia to the protests in Nepal. This underlines the importance of verifying the source and context of videos shared on social media, especially during times of political unrest.
As misinformation continues to spread, it is crucial for individuals to critically assess the validity of the content they encounter online, particularly in relation to significant political events.
