Indonesians march on parliament to demand crackdown on corruption

Thousands of Indonesians took to the streets in Jakarta, marching on parliament to demand a stronger crackdown on corruption. The protests, held on Thursday, marked one year since previous demonstrations devolved into riots, resulting in casualties and arrests.

Chanting slogans and carrying banners, the demonstrators urged lawmakers to pass a stalled asset-seizure bill, first introduced in 2008, which would empower the state to confiscate assets linked to corruption. Some protesters called for the death penalty for corrupt officials.

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We chose August 27 to commemorate because last year there were riots and various other incidents. And today we want to convey our aspirations, not cause riots.

Student groups also joined the march, voicing concerns over a government free meal program allegedly marred by corruption and food poisoning incidents. They also called for an end to the "militarization" of society and lower food prices.

Riot police maintained a heavy presence, initially keeping protesters behind locked gates. While the demonstration was largely peaceful, tensions flared after nightfall, with some protesters throwing objects at officers, who responded with tear gas and water cannons. The police had deployed a significant number of officers and detained dozens of individuals beforehand, citing suspicions of provocation.

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We will escort them so that their aspirations can be conveyed properly.