SAEDNEWS: Some 1,500 Indonesian students have taken to the streets in the capital to protest a series of government economic policies introduced by President Prabowo Subianto. The demonstrations come as Southeast Asia’s largest economy faces increasing fiscal pressure amid a global supply chain crisis.
According to Saednews, Demonstrators in Jakarta outlined five key demands for the government on Friday, with a particular focus on lowering fuel and food prices, according to Al Jazeera.
They also called for the rollback of state welfare programs they consider costly and “wasteful,” including President Prabowo’s flagship free meals initiative and village cooperative projects.
The protests, dubbed the “Heading to Bankrupt Indonesia” movement, saw participants wearing yellow university jackets after Friday prayers as they marched toward the central landmark in Jakarta, the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, where they gathered to voice their frustration.
Organizers said some protesters were prevented from joining by police and military personnel. Clashes broke out when some students attempted to push through police lines and metal barricades.
Around 6,000 police officers and soldiers were deployed to manage the demonstration.
Indonesia has kept fuel prices unchanged despite global energy price spikes and supply chain disruptions linked to the US and Israel’s war against Iran.
However, rising economic pressure on the import-dependent country has weakened its currency, with the rupiah falling to a historic low of 18,000 per US dollar in early June, down from 16,000 in March.
This week, the government introduced a 32% price increase, sparking public anger.
Protesters also called for more targeted government spending. The $15 billion-per-year free meals program, designed to reduce poverty and malnutrition, has been subject to a corruption investigation, and President Prabowo dismissed the program’s head in early June.
“Wasteful spending on free meals has led to a fiscal situation where subsidies initially provided had been withdrawn,” student protester Rafael Arreva told Reuters while standing in front of a police blockade.
Demonstrators further demanded limits on the expanding role of the military in government, warning it could threaten the country’s young democracy.
“The government is in denial about the current situation,” said Yatalathof Ma’shum Imawan, head of the student group organizing the rally, speaking to The Associated Press. “We urge Prabowo to have the courage to acknowledge his mistake and stop denying it.”
Indonesia last saw large-scale protests in August, when demonstrators called for housing reforms. Clashes between protesters and security forces then left at least 13 people dead.
