Jakarta: Students demonstrated across the country in protest against rising inflation, economic crisis and forest fires in Indonesia. On Tuesday, to mark the second year of President Prabowo Subianto's administration, students and civic organizations in Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Bandung, West Java, spoke out against government policies. The Jakarta Post According to the report, the protesters raised issues related to economic pressure, environmental damage and civil liberties.
Government cornered on inflation and forest fires
Hundreds of university students gathered around the Tugu Tani Monument in Jakarta. He raised questions about the rising cost of living and the government's response to forest and peatland fires.
The protesters demanded that the long-running forest fires be declared a national disaster. He also demanded action against companies that harm the environment, curbing corruption and making education and health services more affordable. Apart from this, demands were raised to strengthen the protection of freedom of expression.
Life affected by forest fire
Controlling forest fires remains a challenge in Indonesia's Sumatra, Kalimantan and Papua regions. Unusually severe El Niño-influenced dry weather has made the situation more difficult.
The toxic smoke emanating from the fire has affected flights, forced schools to be closed and raised concerns about people's health. The smoke is reported to have reached neighboring countries Singapore and Malaysia, raising concerns over regional air quality.
Protesters also set a police truck on fire amid the unrest, RT reported.
President gave instructions to speed up action on forest fires
Amid the protests, Presidential Chief of Staff and General Police Officer Listyo Sigit Prabowo said that President Prabowo Subianto held a meeting on Monday at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta to intensify efforts to combat forest and land fires.
According to Listyo, the President directed to strengthen air operations and create better coordination between the Indonesian Armed Forces, National Police, National Disaster Management Agency, local administration and communities.
He said that he has also been asked to speed up the investigation into the cases of 98 companies allegedly involved in forest and land fires. The Office of the Chief of Staff to the President will monitor government action. At the same time, emphasis has been laid on carrying out the law enforcement process based on evidence and in accordance with applicable rules.
Greenpeace workers also protested
On Tuesday, Greenpeace Indonesia activists climbed the Welcome Monument at Hotel Indonesia Traffic Circle in Jakarta. They protested against the government's alleged failure to deal with the continuing forest fires by putting up huge banners.
These demonstrations in Indonesia have again brought issues like inflation, environmental protection, government accountability and civil liberties into the center of discussion.