Thousands Protest in Jakarta Demanding Anti Corruption Legislation

Thousands of protesters gathered at the House of Representatives in Jakarta on Thursday to demand that parliament pass a long delayed asset forfeiture bill. The legislation, first introduced in 2008, would allow the government to seize assets linked to corruption and money laundering. The demonstrations were joined by students, workers, and members of the United Pati People’s Alliance, a group from Central Java that also called for the death penalty for corrupt officials.

Protesters cited worsening economic conditions and corruption as primary drivers for the march. Students specifically urged the government to lower food prices, end the militarization of society, and scrap a free school meal programme plagued by corruption claims and food poisoning. Some lawmakers met with representatives from the United Pati Community Alliance and promised to resign if the bill is not passed by December 15.

Security forces deployed 18,500 officers to the area. Police spokesperson Budi Hermanto stated that 65 people were detained before the march on suspicion of being provocateurs. While some reports indicate the event began peacefully, the situation escalated after nightfall. According to reports, some protesters threw objects at officers, who responded with tear gas and water cannons. A police post and a motorcycle were set on fire, and police later surveyed damage to facilities in the neighborhood around parliament.

Outlets with a center left lean framed the event as a grassroots struggle against systemic corruption and economic hardship. In contrast, the center lean outlet focused its coverage on the resulting property damage and the police response to the escalation.