Jakarta, Jun 13 (V7N) – Widespread protests have erupted in Indonesia over the country's worsening economic situation and recent increases in fuel prices.

Hundreds of university students took to the streets of the capital, Jakarta, on Friday (June 12) under the banner of “Indonesia on the Road to Bankruptcy.”

During the demonstration, protesters marched toward government offices to press their demands. However, police forces blocked their advance and prevented them from reaching key government buildings.

The protests come amid growing public frustration over rising living costs and economic uncertainty. Indonesia's fuel market has been affected by volatility in global energy markets linked to the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States. Although fuel prices remained unchanged for several months, the government announced a significant increase earlier this week.

Analysts say the country's economy is facing mounting pressure due to rising import costs and a widening budget deficit caused by several large-scale government projects. As a result, the Indonesian rupiah has weakened considerably, falling from around 16,000 rupiah per US dollar in March to approximately 18,000 rupiah in June.

Public anger intensified after the government approved a 32 percent increase in fuel prices, a move that has directly affected transportation costs and the prices of essential goods.

Protesters also criticized the government's spending priorities, particularly President Prabowo Subianto's flagship “Free Meal” program, valued at approximately $15 billion. Demonstrators described the initiative as an unnecessary financial burden at a time of economic hardship.

The program, which aims to reduce poverty and malnutrition, has also faced allegations of mismanagement and corruption from critics.

Beyond economic issues, protesters voiced concerns about the increasing role of the military in various sectors of government and public administration.

Indonesia witnessed a major wave of student-led demonstrations in August last year over housing reform policies. Those protests turned violent in several areas, with at least 13 people reportedly killed during clashes between demonstrators and security forces.

The latest demonstrations reflect growing public concern over the country's economic outlook and government policies as Indonesia faces mounting financial challenges.

END/SMA/AJ