If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or Instagram lately, you might’ve noticed pink 💗 and green 💚 edits taking over your feed. These aren’t just random aesthetic choices — they’ve been nicknamed Brave Pink and Hero Green, two shades that carry big meaning in Indonesia right now.

But beyond the movement, these colors are also inspiring people in how they dress. Think of it as a way to show support through style — proving that what you wear can be more than just fashion, it can be a statement.

However, what’s the true meaning of the colors brave pink and hero green? Here’s the explanation!

Brave Pink and Hero Green Meaning

From a cultural perspective, the meanings of pink and green add a symbolic layer to the collective movement. Pink can be understood as an expression of love and care, while green carries a message of freshness and revival.

This interpretation is not merely a visual ornament but also serves to strengthen the spirit of solidarity. The meanings of pink and green in the context of the 17+8 Demands of the People become symbols of the fusion of values: love, justice, and balance.

Here are the explanations:

1. Brave Pink: Courage Born from Compassion

Source: Instagram/@andovidalopez

On August 28, 2025, during a massive protest in front of the Indonesian parliament, a woman in a pink headscarf stood at the front line, confronting police amid tear gas and water cannons. Her act of courage turned pink into a symbol of resilience, bravery, and love for justice. Traditionally seen as a color of softness and femininity, pink transformed into a source of emotional strength. 

Showing that true courage can be born from compassion. Rather than embodying violence, pink symbolized the spirit of humanity: protecting and caring for the people. It conveyed that love can be louder than intimidation, ensuring that the struggle for justice remains rooted in peace and humanity, not anger alone.

2. Heroic Green: Hope in the Current of Reform

Source: Instagram/@jeromepolin

Green in the “17+8 Demands of the People” movement symbolizes enduring hope, renewal, and balance. It represents more than just a shift in power: it emphasizes caring for the nation as a shared home. Green encourages reform that strengthens society’s foundations and inspires productive ideas rather than anger alone. Amid heated protests, it offers freshness and clarity, preventing struggle from being consumed by rage.

This symbolism gained deeper meaning after the tragic death of Affan Kurniawan. He was an online motorcycle taxi driver involved in a fatal incident with a tactical police vehicle in Central Jakarta on August 28. Though not part of the protests, his death left a profound wound. Reminding the public of the human cost behind the struggle and reinforcing green as a symbol of calm resilience and hope.

3. Color Synergy: The Collective Message of the People’s Movement

Source: Instagram/@andovidalopez

The emergence of the terms “Brave Pink” and “Heroic Green” represents the birth of a new phase in the current people’s struggle in Indonesia. These three color symbols do not stand apart but unite to embody the hopes and ideals envisioned for the nation. Pink champions humanity and civil courage, green carries the promise of reform and a better life, while blue demands honesty and government transparency.

SEABLINGS and How Does it Means

Source: X/@sighyam

Amid the chaos of the protests, Indonesian netizens came across various social media posts from users in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and even Thailand, sharing proof of food orders made through delivery apps. The orders were not for friends or relatives, but for their “distant neighbors” whom they had never met: Indonesia’s motorcycle taxi drivers.

This cross-border act of sharing food later became known as “Seablings” a play on words combining SEA (Southeast Asia) and siblings. The movement is believed to be organic and voluntary, emerging and spreading rapidly. One identifiable initiator was the X account @sighyam from Thailand, who called on fellow netizens to support motorcycle taxi drivers on August 30, 2025.

Netizens across Southeast Asian countries responded enthusiastically. They flooded social media platforms such as X, Threads, and Instagram with proof of their food orders. The hashtag #SEAblings soon went viral. It became proof of how digital solidarity can transcend national borders. Without physical meetings, organizational structures, or even humanitarian intermediaries. It can also be said that this call to action emerged without any overt political agenda.

The SEAblings action shows how the countries in this region are like siblings. That is to say, even though they may sometimes quarrel, when one is in trouble, the others are quick to embrace and help. As of the writing of this article, the SEAblings movement is still ongoing, with no clear end in sight.

Perhaps SEAblings will fade as Indonesia’s political issues subside. However, it has succeeded in proving that transnational solidarity can be bridged through digital platforms.

How Can You Support as Malaysians SEABLINGS

Source: Pinterest

At present, many Malaysians are supporting local vendors so that food can be distributed to those in need. It feels as though when Indonesia grieves, Malaysia grieves too, like true siblings. Indonesians who have received help through the SEAblings solidarity movement also feel grateful to have such kind kindred neighbors in Southeast Asia.

Even though the two nations often disagree over trivial matters. Such as sports, rendang, or batik, they continue to show a spirit of brotherhood in difficult times. One X user with the handle @dwi507 expressed being deeply moved by the kindness of Malaysians: “This morning, my Malaysian friends made me cry. Thank you so much, Malaysia. Honestly, the more I try to write something, the more I cry,” they wrote.

You can also help Indonesian people by sending food from online taxi services such as Grab, and here’s how to do it:
STEP 1: Open Grab / Gojek
STEP 2: Change country to Indonesia
STEP 3: Pick a city: Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Yogyakarta, etc
STEP 4: Select a hotel/central landmark as drop point
STEP 5: Order from small local vendors (warung, nasi goreng, bakso, etc)
STEP 6: Write this note to driver: “Pak/Bu, makanannya untuk abang/kakak driver & teman-teman”

Remember, even a small act of kindness will always keep other people inspired!

Dress in Pink and Green to show your support: