Indonesian Students Defy Crackdown, Gather for Protests

Hundreds of students gathered in major Indonesian cities on Monday, defying fears of a crackdown after deadly riots over the weekend left eight dead in the worst violence in more than two decades, Stanley Widianto, Ananda Teresia, and Abdul Rahman Muchtar reported for Reuters.

The homes of political party members, including the finance minister, were looted, and state buildings were ransacked or set ablaze, posing the biggest challenge to President Prabowo Subianto since he took office nearly a year ago. (Photo: Government of Republic of Indonesia)

Protests began a week ago against government spending priorities, including enhanced perks for lawmakers, and escalated into rioting and looting after a police vehicle struck and killed a motorcycle taxi driver.

The homes of political party members, including the finance minister, were looted, and state buildings were ransacked or set ablaze, posing the biggest challenge to President Prabowo Subianto since he took office nearly a year ago.

More than 700 people were injured, with damages totaling $3.4 million, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung said, according to Gayatru Suroyo, Stefanno Sulaiman, and Gibran Peshiman of Reuters.

Student protests continued Monday in Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Makassar, the site of the weekend’s worst violence.

On Sunday, Prabowo announced cuts to lawmakers’ perks—a major concession—but warned security forces would act firmly to restore order. The heavy military presence prompted organizers to postpone further gatherings in Jakarta.

“The President’s statement yesterday did not accommodate demands from students and civil society,” said Syamry, a student leader from Makassar State University who uses only one name.

He added that protesters also sought deeper reforms, such as overhauling the police.

Ratings agency S&P said in a note Monday that the protests are unlikely to escalate enough to undermine political stability, though policy adjustments could increase fiscal pressure.

“One potential result is an increase in social spending to boost support for middle- and lower-income groups,” the note read. “That in turn could lead to a higher fiscal deficit, close to the legal limit of 3% of GDP.”