Indonesian Students Demand Reform Amid Threat of Crackdown

Hundreds gather in major cities, calling for deeper changes such as police reform

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MAKASSAR/JAKARTA - Hundreds of students gathered in major Indonesian cities on Sept 1, defying fears of a crackdown on protests after deadly riots on the weekend left eight dead in the worst violence in the South-east Asian nation in over two decades.

Protests began a week ago against the government's spending priorities, such as enhanced perks for lawmakers, and escalated into rioting and looting after a police vehicle hit and killed a motorcycle taxi driver.

The homes of political party members, including the finance minister, were looted and state buildings ransacked or set ablaze, in the biggest challenge to President Prabowo Subianto's government since he took office nearly a year ago.

On Aug 31, Mr Prabowo announced a cut in lawmakers' perks — a major concession to protesters — but warned that security forces would act firmly to control law and order.