Jakarta Students Clash With Police Over Fuel Hikes and Policy

Draped in their signature alma mater jackets, the protesters labeled the current cabinet a 'Wall of Shame.' The march focused on the rising cost of staple foods and the perceived failure of the president’s flagship free meals program. Beyond economic grievances, the crowd voiced alarm over the expanding role of military officials in civilian governance.

Friction intensified as demonstrators attempted to bypass security barricades, leading to clashes with officers. Concerns mounted regarding the administration's oversight capabilities, spurred by reports of food poisoning linked to the state-sponsored meal initiative. The activists called for an immediate cancellation of several ongoing government projects, arguing that current fiscal strategies prioritize political optics over the urgent needs of the Indonesian public.