Hundreds of Indonesian students have protested in Jakarta and other cities, demanding lower fuel and food prices. The demonstrations, which took place on Friday in the capital, targeted the spending priorities of President Prabowo Subianto's government, specifically following a decision to raise gasoline prices.
Protesters are calling for the government to rein in big-ticket spending and revive the economy to combat the rising cost of living. Specific demands include stopping President Subianto's flagship free-meals programme and lowering the prices of staple foods and fuel.
In response to the protests, Indonesian authorities deployed thousands of police and soldiers. Scuffles broke out during the rallies as some demonstrators attempted to break through metal barricades and police lines.