In brief
Hundreds of university students took to Jakarta’s streets to demand that President Prabowo Subianto halt wasteful state spending and scrap his free meals scheme. Protesters also voiced anger over a steep increase in fuel prices, warning the middle class will be hurt. The demonstrations echo earlier clashes in August, highlighting growing public frustration with perceived economic mismanagement. Students urge the government to adopt sustainable and transparent policies to prevent a 'bankrupt Indonesia' scenario.
Hundreds of students from Jakarta’s universities marched through the city centre on Friday, demanding President Prabowo Subianto “stop the wasteful state spending” and end his flagship free‑meals programme that has faced repeated scandals and mass meal‑poisoning incidents.
Students also protested the government’s decision to raise fuel prices, a move that will further strain the middle class. "Fuel prices are going up, and our lives are getting harder," a university student named Zaki told police officers, echoing concerns that the cost of living is spiralling.
The protest came on the heels of rising public anger over mismanagement and a weakening rupiah. Images show police shielding their barricades while students attempted to advance toward the Hotel Indonesia roundabout, a city landmark.
A social‑media post used the hashtag #MenujuIndonesiaBangkrut, meaning "Towards Bankrupt Indonesia," reflecting fears that unchecked spending could doom the nation’s economy.
The free‑meals scheme, which aims to tackle child malnutrition and boost education, costs an estimated $28bn annually. However, incidents of mass food poisoning and corruption allegations have tainted its reputation. Earlier this week, the government raised Pertamax fuel prices by more than 30%, a move that further tarnishes the administration’s popularity.
University students argued for greater transparency and inclusion of climate‑friendly alternatives in budget allocations, suggesting that sustainable infrastructure could reduce reliance on fossil fuels and create new green jobs.
While authorities maintain that the free‑meals programme is an investment in Indonesia’s future, the protests underscore a growing call for fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship. Citizens demand that future policies prioritize sustainable development over short‑term political gambits.
