Police in Surabaya arrested at least 24 demonstrators following violent clashes during protests against rising fuel prices and President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship free meal program. Witnesses reported protesters throwing stones and burning trash, prompting police to intervene with “firm measures.”
The NGO Kontras confirmed that 24 people, including one woman, were detained but not charged. Surabaya’s police chief Lutfi Solistiawan said dozens were arrested after some protesters hurled projectiles. The unrest follows a 30% hike in non-subsidized fuel prices earlier this month, sparking nationwide anger.
Thousands of students had already marched in Jakarta demanding an end to the free meal initiative, which critics say is costly and has caused mass food poisoning incidents despite its goal of combating hunger. The program, worth billions of dollars, has become a focal point of opposition.
Indonesia witnessed widespread protests in August and September 2025, the largest since Prabowo took office in late 2024. Those demonstrations left at least 10 dead and thousands detained, most later released. The latest unrest underscores mounting dissatisfaction with Prabowo’s economic and social policies as his administration faces growing public pressure.