World News
Indonesians protest outside parliament to demand anti-corruption legislation
Demonstrations in Jakarta and other cities marked the anniversary of last year's deadly rallies, leading to clashes with police after nightfall.
The short version
- Thousands of protesters gathered outside the Indonesian parliament in Jakarta to demand harsher corruption penalties, the passage of a long-stalled asset-seizure bill, and the cancellation of a free school meal program.
- Riot police deployed 18,500 officers and used tear gas and water cannons after some demonstrators threw objects at officers post-nightfall.
- Lawmakers who met with protest representatives reportedly promised to resign if the asset-seizure legislation is not passed by December 15.
Key facts
- Thousands of demonstrators marched on parliament in Jakarta, while student protests were also held in Yogyakarta and Makassar.[Al Jazeera]
- Protesters demanded the passage of an asset-seizure bill first introduced in 2008, lower food prices, an end to military influence in society, and the termination of a free school meal program linked to corruption and food poisoning incidents.[Al Jazeera]
- A protest leader stated that lawmakers who met with representatives from the United Pati Community Alliance promised to resign if the asset-seizure bill does not pass by December 15.[Al Jazeera]
- Jakarta police deployed 18,500 personnel, detained 65 individuals prior to the rally on suspicion of being provocateurs, and dispersed evening crowds using tear gas and water cannons after objects were thrown.[Al Jazeera]
- The rally took place on the one-year anniversary of antigovernment protests that resulted in approximately 10 deaths and nearly 7,000 arrests.[Al Jazeera]
What remains uncertain
- The total number of injuries and exact extent of property damage from the evening clash remain unconfirmed beyond reports of several people injured on stretchers and a burnt police post and motorcycle.[Al Jazeera]