(Indonesia, 29th) Four protesters have been charged in court following an anti-government demonstration in Surabaya, Indonesia’s second largest city. Another six individuals, who tested positive for drugs, are still under investigation.
According to AFP, about 100 protesters gathered near a government building last Friday (27th), rallying against the government’s hike of non-subsidized gasoline prices and its free school meal program.
The report points out that although Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest economy and an oil-producing country, it remains a net oil importer, with domestic fuel long dependent on government subsidies.
The report points out that although Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest economy and an oil-producing country, it remains a net oil importer, with domestic fuel long dependent on government subsidies.
Earlier this month, the Indonesian government increased non-subsidized gasoline prices by about 30% to ease fiscal pressure. The ongoing war in the Middle East has tightened global oil supplies and pushed up energy prices.
In addition, critics argue that the free school meal program, which costs billions of dollars, is expensive and involves allegations of corruption, with a spate of recent mass food poisoning incidents that have left tens of thousands unwell after consuming the free meals.
Surabaya police chief Luthfie Sulistiawan stated that some protesters threw firecrackers, stones, and other items at the police, prompting the police to take “decisive action” to disperse the crowd.
The police arrested a total of 24 people that day, most of whom have been released without charge.
Luthfie said that four people have been charged with damaging public property and assaulting law enforcement officers.
Luthfie said that four people have been charged with damaging public property and assaulting law enforcement officers.
He added that another six, who tested positive for drugs, remain under investigation.
Besides Surabaya, demonstrations have also recently broken out in the capital Jakarta and several other cities, with thousands of students taking to the streets to protest.