Jakarta Protests Target HazeResponse and Prabowo's Policies, With Over 14,000 Security Personnel Mobilised

Students and civil society groups rallied (protests) in Jakarta on 28 October, demanding stronger action against forest fires and changes to President Prabowo Subianto's policies. Authorities mobilised 14,324 security personnel across several protest sites.

Held on Indonesia's Youth Pledge Day, the demonstrations were led by the University of Indonesia's student executive board and Komite SADAR.

Organisers reported around 4,000 participants, but said only about half had reached the main Bundaran HI protest area by 4.30pm after security forces blocked others.

Reuters separately reported hundreds protesting in Jakarta, alongside rallies in Bandung and Makassar; turnout was not independently verified.

Protesters demanded that the fires be declared a national disaster and responsible companies prosecuted. They also demanded an end to what they described as wasteful spending on flagship schemes, including the free nutritious meals programme.

Other demands included lower education costs, better jobs, improved access to basic services, tougher action against corruption and stronger protection of civil liberties.

Following earlier rallies on 20 October, the protests show how anger over the fires has joined wider dissatisfaction with government spending and accountability, two years into Prabowo's presidency.

Their message urged Prabowo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to meet their demands or leave office.

Police, soldiers and armoured vehicles were stationed in central Jakarta ahead of the rallies.

Some protesters wore gas masks and carried images of orangutans affected by the fires, while scuffles broke out when security personnel blocked students from reaching the protest area.

The government said it welcomed students' input and had prosecuted companies linked to the fires and sent aid to affected provinces. Police pledged a humane approach and respect for peaceful demonstrations.

Beyond the domestic protests, the fires have also strained Indonesia's relations with neighbours Malaysia and Singapore as haze spread across their borders.

Malaysia has demanded firmer action and sought an ASEAN response, while Singapore has pursued companies suspected of contributing to the pollution.

Amid the tensions, Singapore and Indonesia agreed on 27 October to establish a joint task force to hold those responsible accountable.