Key facts
- Hundreds of Indonesian students protested in Jakarta against government spending priorities and a fuel price hike.
- Protesters used the slogan "Heading to Bankrupt Indonesia" and demanded policy changes.
- Demands included canceling the free meals program and lowering fuel prices.
- Concerns were raised about the expansion of military roles in civilian affairs.
- The government stated it listens to public opinion and has cut extraneous spending.
Hundreds of Indonesian students rallied in Jakarta to protest the spending priorities of President Prabowo Subianto's government and a recent decision to raise gasoline prices. The protest, dubbed "Heading to Bankrupt Indonesia," saw students marching towards the Bundaran HI landmark, though some were blocked by police and military personnel. Protesters carried signs criticizing the fuel price hike and Prabowo's cabinet, demanding the cancellation of his flagship free meals and village cooperatives programs, lower fuel and staple food prices, and an end to "wasteful" spending. Concerns were also raised about the expansion of military roles in civilian affairs, with fears of a return to authoritarianism. The government stated that the protests were democratic and that it was listening to public opinion, adding that extraneous spending had been cut and the free meal program was intended to safeguard public health. Critics, however, view the free meals program as inefficient and prone to financial leakage, with thousands of children reportedly suffering food poisoning from meals served under it.