Will the ‘Dark Indonesia’ protests against Prabowo’s austerity cuts escalate further?
Student-led protests against austerity measures in Indonesia have become the first major political challenge for President Prabowo Subianto's administration. Thousands of students participated in demonstrations across the country, dubbed "Indonesia Gelap" (Dark Indonesia), culminating in a large protest outside the presidential palace in Jakarta. Analysts warn that public discontent could escalate if economic conditions worsen.
The protests are fueled by Prabowo's controversial budget cuts, particularly to education and infrastructure, intended to fund his flagship initiatives. These include a costly free meal program for schoolchildren and expecting mothers, estimated at US$28 billion annually, and the newly launched sovereign wealth fund, Danantara. To finance these programs, Prabowo announced ministry budget cuts totaling US$18.7 billion, impacting infrastructure projects and even basic amenities in government buildings.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Student-led protests against austerity measures in Indonesia have become the first major political challenge for President Prabowo Subianto's administration. Thousands of students participated in demonstrations across the country, dubbed "Indonesia Gelap" (Dark Indonesia), culminating in a large protest outside the presidential palace in Jakarta. Analysts warn that public discontent could escalate if economic conditions worsen.
The protests are fueled by Prabowo's controversial budget cuts, particularly to education and infrastructure, intended to fund his flagship initiatives. These include a costly free meal program for schoolchildren and expecting mothers, estimated at US$28 billion annually, and the newly launched sovereign wealth fund, Danantara. To finance these programs, Prabowo announced ministry budget cuts totaling US$18.7 billion, impacting infrastructure projects and even basic amenities in government buildings.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
