Key facts
- Hundreds of Indonesian students protested in Jakarta against President Prabowo Subianto's government.
- Protesters cited rising living costs, fuel price hikes, and wasteful state spending.
- Over 6,000 police and soldiers were deployed to manage the demonstration.
- Students demanded an end to the flagship free meals program and increased military involvement.
- The Indonesian rupiah has hit a historic low against the U.S. dollar.
Hundreds of Indonesian students took to the streets of Jakarta to protest President Prabowo Subianto's government, citing rising living costs and economic pressures. The demonstration, under the hashtag #MenujuIndonesiaBangkrut (Towards Bankrupt Indonesia), saw protesters marching towards the Hotel Indonesia roundabout, though authorities blocked many from reaching the site. Over 6,000 police and soldiers were deployed to manage the event.
Students voiced frustration over higher fuel costs, which have contributed to the Indonesian rupiah hitting a historic low against the U.S. dollar. Their demands included cuts to what they termed wasteful state spending, lower prices for fuel and staple goods, and a halt to major government programs like the flagship free nutritious meal initiative. Concerns were also raised about the increasing role of the military in civilian affairs.
University student Zaki was quoted saying, "Fuel prices are going up, and our lives are getting harder." The free meals program, intended for 83 million children and pregnant women and costing an estimated 268 trillion rupiah ($15 billion) this year, has faced criticism for inefficiency and governance issues, including reports of mass food poisoning. Last week, Prabowo fired the head of the agency responsible for the program. Friday's demonstration was described as one of the largest student mobilizations since protests last August.