Indonesian Students Rally Against Fuel Price Hike and Government Spending Priorities

Indonesian students protested in Jakarta against President Prabowo Subianto's government spending priorities and gas price hikes. Protesters criticized subsidies for fuel, Prabowo's free meals program, and increased military roles. The rally faced police roadblocks, amid concerns about the country's democratic and economic status.

Hundreds of Indonesian students staged a protest in Jakarta on Friday against President Prabowo Subianto's government policies, specifically opposing this week's gasoline price hikes and government spending priorities.

Students, wearing their alma mater jackets, marched towards Jakarta's Bundaran HI landmark but were obstructed by police and military personnel. They carried slogans like 'Cancel the fuel price hike' and described Prabowo's cabinet as the 'Wall of Shame', demanding the cancellation of various government programs and reduced staple food prices.

The protest, which saw clashes with police, also criticized increasing military roles in civilian affairs and the inefficiency of Prabowo's free meals program. Questions about governance and oversight were raised due to reported incidents of food poisoning among beneficiaries.