Indonesian Students Launch Anti-Government Protest in Jakarta

(MENAFN) Hundreds of university students took to the streets of central Jakarta on Friday in a sweeping anti-government demonstration, challenging key economic and social policies while accusing authorities of squandering public funds, according to multiple local media reports.

Marching under the banner Indonesia Heading Toward Bankruptcy, protesters were brought to a halt before reaching the city's landmark traffic circle, blocked by a joint deployment of Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and National Police personnel, TEMPO reported.

The protest, organized by university student coalitions, also took aim at two flagship government initiatives — the free nutritious meals program and the Red and White Village Cooperative — both of which demonstrators condemned as a "waste of the state budget."

"This is not the end. This is only the first step. Let's conserve our energy for what comes next," declared Yatalathof Ma'shum Imawan, a student leader, addressing the crowd.

Demonstrators further demanded swift government intervention to bring down the prices of basic goods and fuel, warning that surging living costs are squeezing household budgets across an already uneven economic landscape.

The rally, drawing participants from several universities, concluded in central Jakarta after security forces prevented students from advancing to their intended destination near the Hotel Indonesia.

Student organizers confirmed that additional demonstrations are in the pipeline, with efforts actively underway to build a broader, larger coalition in the days ahead.

Prior to the protest, the government had reportedly directed police to permit a peaceful demonstration and to refrain from deploying force against any of the student protesters.

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