Growing discontent with policymaking keeps Indonesian students on streets

A wave of student-led protests has swept across Indonesia, highlighting growing public dissatisfaction with President Prabowo Subianto's administration during its first year and a half in office. The demonstrations, fueled by a range of grievances including rising living costs, a weakening rupiah, and broader economic pressures, intensified following the government's decision to increase non-subsidized fuel prices by over 30%.

Thousands of students from universities in Greater Jakarta rallied on June 12 at a major traffic circle, under the banner '#MenujuIndonesiaBangkrut,' translating to 'Heading to Bankrupt Indonesia.' Protesters accused the government of neglecting the economic struggles of ordinary citizens while continuing to fund expensive flagship programs. Their demands included reducing what they termed 'wasteful state spending,' lowering fuel and staple food prices, stabilizing the rupiah, and halting major government initiatives, such as Prabowo's ambitious free nutritious meal program, which has a significant budget allocation for 2026.

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These repeated demonstrations by students and civil society groups may reflect growing disappointment with government policies, which many view as failing to adequately reflect the aspirations and concerns of the public.

The protests, which continued until June 15, spread to other major cities including Semarang, Surabaya, Medan, Lampung, and Bandung. Clashes between demonstrators and police were reported in some areas. Tensions also flared during a public discussion at Gadjah Mada University, where students disrupted an event featuring Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono, who later claimed he was physically struck during the commotion.

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Rather than channeling and fighting for public aspirations, some lawmakers have instead acted as government defenders, almost serving as the government’s spokesperson.

Political analyst Lili Romli of the National Research and Innovation Agency noted that the recent protests signify concerns extending beyond fuel prices. She believes they reflect deeper frustrations with the government's policymaking process and its handling of criticism. Romli stated, "These repeated demonstrations by students and civil society groups may reflect growing disappointment with government policies, which many view as failing to adequately reflect the aspirations and concerns of the public."

Romli also pointed to the House of Representatives, currently dominated by pro-government parties, as failing in its oversight role. She observed that instead of championing public aspirations, some lawmakers act as government spokespersons, leaving citizens feeling politically unrepresented. This perceived lack of avenues for expressing concerns has encouraged people to "seek extraparliamentary avenues through mass mobilization and street protests."

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seek extraparliamentary avenues through mass mobilisation and street pr