Indonesians Protest at Parliament, Demand Tougher Action Against Corruption

Thousands of Indonesians marched to the parliament building in Jakarta on Thursday, August 27, demanding stronger action against corruption and tougher punishment for corrupt officials.

The protest came exactly one year after anti-government demonstrations in Indonesia escalated into riots that left about 10 people dead and nearly 7,000 arrested.

Protesters are calling on lawmakers to pass a long-delayed asset forfeiture bill, which would allow the government to seize assets linked to corruption. The bill was first introduced in 2008 but has yet to be approved. Some demonstrators also demanded the death penalty for officials convicted of serious corruption.

Riot police kept protesters behind the locked gates of the parliament for much of the day. Later at night, some protesters reportedly threw objects at police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons. A police post and a motorcycle were set on fire, while several injured people were carried away on stretchers.

Students also held demonstrations in Yogyakarta and Makassar, demanding government reforms. About 200 university students took part in the Jakarta protest, calling for an end to Indonesia's free school meals programme, which they said had been affected by corruption allegations and repeated food-poisoning incidents.

The protesters also demanded an end to what they described as the “militarisation” of Indonesian society and called for lower food prices.

Police deployed about 18,500 officers in Jakarta and detained 65 people before the demonstration on suspicion of being “provocateurs,” according to police spokesperson Budi Hermanto.

Chief Security Minister Djamari Chaniago said the large security presence was not intended to restrict freedom of expression, but to ensure that protesters could safely present their demands.

The demonstrations highlight continuing public frustration over corruption and government policies in Indonesia, with protesters urging parliament to act on reforms that have been delayed for years.

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