Thousands of Indonesian students demonstrated in Jakarta against rising fuel prices, government inefficiency, and military involvement in civilian affairs, demanding cuts to wasteful spending and lower prices for necessities.
Thousands of Indonesia n students took to the streets in Jakarta on Friday to protest against rising fuel prices , government inefficiency, and growing military involvement in civilian affairs.
The demonstration, organized by a major student organization, saw around 1,500 protesters attempting to march to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, a key city landmark, after Friday prayers. Authorities deployed over 6,000 police and soldiers to block access to the presidential palace, a common destination for such rallies. Clashes erupted as protesters tore down barricades, with some holding masks of President Prabowo Subianto to mock his leadership.
The protests were fueled by soaring living costs, exacerbated by higher fuel prices following the US-led war against Iran. Indonesia's rupiah currency has plummeted to a historic low of 18,000 against the US dollar earlier this month, putting additional pressure on household budgets.
Student leaders outlined five key demands, including cuts to what they called wasteful state spending, reduction in fuel and staple goods prices, and a halt to major government programs such as a free nutritious meal initiative costing about 268 trillion rupiah ($15 billion) this year. The free meals program, aimed at alleviating poverty and malnutrition, has been criticized as a populist measure that drains resources without addressing root causes.
Yatalathof Ma'shum Imawan, chair of the student organization that convened the rally, accused the government of denial. He urged President Prabowo to acknowledge mistakes and stop ignoring public grievances. The protest came amid heightened tensions, recalling a similar outburst last August when thousands clashed with security forces, leaving at least 13 dead. Solidarity rallies were also reported in Bandung, West Java, and Pontianak on Borneo island.
The protests underscore growing discontent with the government's economic management and its reliance on military force to quell dissent. As Indonesia faces its worst currency crisis in decades, students demand accountability and a shift toward sustainable policies that prioritize people's welfare over prestige projects
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