JAKARTA — Hundreds of Indonesian students staged a protest in the capital on Friday, calling for lower fuel and food prices and criticizing government spending policies under President Prabowo Subianto amid mounting economic pressures. The demonstration followed a significant 32% increase in fuel prices this week, the first rise since the onset of the U.S.-Iran conflict over three months ago.

Approximately 1,500 protesters, many of them university students, attempted to march toward the Bundaran HI (Hotel Indonesia) roundabout, a prominent commercial area in central Jakarta, shortly after Friday prayers. However, security forces, including more than 6,000 police and military personnel, blocked access to the site, citing its sensitive location in the business district and directing protestors instead toward areas near the parliament building and the National Monument park. Some demonstrators defied these restrictions, leading to tense confrontations and scuffles with authorities.

The students voiced frustration over the government’s allocation of funds, demanding cuts to what they described as “wasteful” spending, including President Prabowo’s flagship programs such as the free meals initiative targeting children and pregnant women and a rural revitalization plan. Protesters expressed concern that these programs, while ambitious, have exacerbated fiscal strain, aggravating inflation and contributing to the recent fuel price hike after years of state subsidies shielding consumers from global oil price fluctuations.

In addition to economic grievances, some protesters criticized the expanding role of the military in civilian government affairs, voicing fears that Indonesia risks a return to authoritarianism reminiscent of the Suharto era. “We want to show that things are not okay. We don’t want Indonesia to truly go bankrupt, but these behaviors prove that Indonesia will go bankrupt economically, democratically, and morally,” said student leader Yatalathof Ma’shum Imawan.

The government, through presidential communications chief Muhammad Qodari, acknowledged the protests as a democratic expression and stated that officials are listening to public concerns. He defended the free meals program as a vital public health measure and maintained that efforts have been made to reduce unnecessary expenditures.

Economic indicators underscore the tension, with the rupiah hitting a historic low of 18,000 per U.S. dollar earlier in June, intensifying worries over inflation and living costs. Protesters blamed excessive government spending for the removal of subsidies, which they held responsible for rising prices of essential commodities. Some also highlighted reported incidents of food poisoning linked to the free meals program, raising questions about its management.

The rally ended with dozens of students dispersing by evening, while police remained on alert to prevent further disruptions. The protest reflects growing public unease amid Indonesia’s attempts to balance fiscal challenges, social welfare ambitions, and political stability amid volatile global economic conditions.