Key facts
- Indonesia increased security for rallies marking one year since deadly protests against government spending priorities.
- Thousands of police were deployed in Jakarta ahead of Thursday's rallies.
- Demonstrators vented frustration at various government policies and demanded harsher punishment for corrupt officials.
- Local media reported individuals setting fire to a police post and two motorcycles, closing roads and hurling rocks at police.
- Transport authorities suspended or diverted some rail and bus routes in Jakarta due to road closures.
- President Prabowo Subianto's approval rating slumped to 38% amid concerns over his costly policies.
Indonesia increased security for rallies marking one year since deadly protests against government spending priorities. Thousands of police were deployed in Jakarta ahead of Thursday's rallies, where demonstrators vented their frustration at various government policies and demanded harsher punishment for corrupt officials. The rally dispersed Thursday evening, but local media outlets reported individuals in black shirts remained on the streets long after, setting fire to a police post and two motorcycles, closing roads and hurling rocks and sticks at police. Transport authorities suspended or diverted some rail and bus routes in Jakarta on Friday while the city's bus system said its routes near the parliamentary building were impacted by road closures. The protest came at a difficult time for Prabowo, who was elected in 2024 with a huge majority but is battling to restore confidence of the public, business and investors anxious over the economic impacts of his ambitious populist programmes. Prabowo's approval rating slumped to 38% this month in a poll by investigative news outlet Tempo, amid concerns over his costly policies. Police on Thursday said 65 people were arrested and accused of trying to cause unrest, with air guns, communication devices and materials for making Molotov cocktails seized. In comments carried by local media, Jakarta police spokesperson Budi Hermanto confirmed rioting had taken place.