Indonesia becomes latest country hit by wave of sudden student protests

Gen Z students stage mass protests in Indonesia over economic hardship

Student-led protests have swept across Indonesia, with demonstrators rallying against rising living costs, corruption and government policies under President Prabowo Subianto.

According to The Jakarta Post, demonstrations took place in Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Bandung on Tuesday, October 20, marking Prabowo’s second anniversary in office.

Protesters criticised economic hardship, environmental destruction and restrictions on civil liberties.

They demanded lower prices for essential goods, stronger anti-corruption measures and improved access to education and healthcare.

Demonstrators also called for urgent government action against devastating forest fires and toxic haze affecting several Indonesian regions.

Meanwhile, authorities deployed thousands of security personnel in Jakarta amid concerns about possible unrest.

The demonstrations reflect growing public dissatisfaction with the administration’s economic priorities and its response to environmental and social challenges across the country.