Understanding Gen Z's Massive Demonstrations In Nepal

A demonstrator carried the Napal flag during a demonstration against the blocking of social media and corruption in Kathamandu, Nepal, Monday (8/9/2-25). (X)

JAKARTA The massive demonstration driven by Gen Z in Nepal underscores the role of the younger generation as new political actors.

The Times of India reported that the demonstration was initially peaceful on Monday (8/9/2025). However, the action turned into riots. Nearly 200 people were injured in clashes with the police.

As of Tuesday (9/9), 20 people died and nearly 400 were injured by gunfire and punches and police kicks. Riots spread across Nepal. Nepalese young people who are fed up with the nature of officials show off luxury in the midst of poverty and unemployment are said to be the main triggers of Nepal's riots.

"Protes on social media are just catalysts. Frustration on the way this country manages has long been a coal in the husks. Residents are very angry," said Nepal's senior journalist, Prateek Pradhan.

Amid the widespread demonstrations marked by police violence, on Monday night Nepal's Interior Minister, Ramesh Lekhak resigned in a sudden cabinet meeting.

The next day, it was the turn of Nepal's Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli who placed his post. He gave an official letter to Nepalese President Ram Chandra Poudel, who also resigned. Poudel's resignation left Nepal without a leader in the executive amid the heated situation.

Meanwhile, protesters burned down the DPR building in Kathamandu. Government buildings and homes of political leaders were also attacked.

The houses of officials burned include the homes of Nepal Congress's largest party and Nepalese President Ram Chandra Poudel, the home of Interior Minister Ramesh Lekhakak, and the home of Nepalese United Communist Party leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal. A private school owned by Foreign Minister Arzu Deuba Rana was also burned down.

This action also claimed lives from the elite circle. Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, died after being trapped in the house that the demonstrators burned in Kathmandu. Although he was rushed to the Kirtipur Burn Hospital, he died in treatment. In a video widely circulated on social media, Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paude was also chased and attacked by the masses.

Demonstrations in Nepal initially occurred as a form of protest over the government's blocking of most social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and Youtube. The government argued that the companies failed to register and comply with government oversight.

Prior to the blocking, Nepalese young people often staged protests and anti-corruption campaigns on social media. The elites of the government were furious with the protests, because they and their families were often the target of pranks on social media.

Residents see this blocking as a censorship tool and punishment for opponents of the government who voice online protests. Human rights groups also refer to it as the government's attempt to curb freedom of expression and violate human rights.

Stop corruption, not social media, shout the masses while flying the red and blue flags.

This scream is not without reason. At least since 2008 Nepal's political conditions have been reported to be unstable. The government has alternated even though the official is still in the same circle.

Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli likes to show off luxury. Likewise with his predecessor, PM Bahadur Deuba, a figure from the Nepalese Congress Party (NC) who is centre-left. Not only that, they also built a power structure that perpetuates paronase and nepotism.

Nepalese people are fed up with the attitude of their officials and families who often exhibit luxury. They upload photos of being on private planes or traveling abroad in expensive clothes. Even though the families of these elites are known to have no inheritance of assets. They suddenly became rich after entering politics.

All of this makes Nepalese young people dissatisfied. They see no choice but to take to the streets," said Nepal's senior journalist, Prateek Pradhan.

The practice of corruption and the attitude of elites and their families who like to show off luxury occur amidst the conditions of Nepalese people who are in trouble. Generation Z is unemployed and difficult to find work, the poverty rate is also high.

According to government statistics, Nepalese population aged 15 to 40 years reached nearly 43 percent of the population. About 20 percent of young people are unemployed and difficult to find work.

According to the World Bank, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is only US$1,447 (around Rp23 million). Nepal's government estimates that every day up to 2,000 young people go abroad looking for work. Most of them eventually become casual daily workers in the Middle East, Asia Tmur, and parts of Southeast Asia.

"Protes on social media are just catalysts. Frustration on the way this country manages has long been the coal in the husks. Residents are very angry. People can no longer stand the situation so far. They want to change," said Pradhan.