Indonesian Students Protest Economic Pressures

Hundreds of Indonesian students rallied in Jakarta and other cities, protesting against rising fuel and food prices, and urging President Prabowo Subianto to roll back costly state spending programs. The protests were sparked by a 32% jump in fuel prices and the Indonesia — Indonesian rupiah hitting a historic low against the U.S. dollar. Protesters demanded cuts to wasteful state spending, lower prices for essential goods, and a halt to programs like the free nutritious meal initiative, which has been embroiled in a graft probe. They also expressed concerns about the military's increasing role in civilian affairs. The demonstrations mark one of the largest student mobilizations since last August's nationwide protests.