Thousands Storm Toward Indonesia’s Parliament in Fierce Anti-Corruption Protest

Thousands of people marched toward Indonesia’s parliament on Thursday (August 27), demanding harsh punishment for corrupt officials, the confiscation of illicit assets and the passage of a long-delayed asset confiscation bill. The mass protest was held in the capital Jakarta.

The protest was organized to mark the first anniversary of last year’s riots and anti-government demonstrations. Protesters demanded the swift passage of the Asset Confiscation Bill, which has been pending since 2008. They said passing the legislation would provide an effective legal mechanism for the state to confiscate assets obtained through corruption.

Many protesters called for tougher punishment for corruption. Some even demanded the death penalty for corrupt officials. They alleged that the bill’s prolonged delay had made it difficult to take effective action against those who had accumulated wealth through corruption.

Amid the protests, senior lawmakers, including Deputy Speaker of Parliament Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, received a memorandum from the protesters. Protesters said they had also secured written commitments from lawmakers to resign if the bill is not passed by December 15.

However, the protesters’ demands went beyond corruption. Students taking part in the demonstrations also called for the cancellation of the controversial free meal programme over allegations of recent corruption and food poisoning, measures to control rising prices and an end to the growing militarization of social affairs.

After demonstrations continued throughout the day, a group of protesters attempted to break through security barriers and advance toward parliament in the evening. Police dispersed them using water cannons and tear gas.

A police post and a motorcycle were also set on fire during the protests. Security was subsequently tightened around parliament and surrounding areas.

More than 18,500 security personnel were deployed across Jakarta ahead of and during the protests. As a precautionary measure, police reportedly detained 65 people on allegations of disrupting public order.

Large anti-corruption rallies were also held in the cities of Yogyakarta and Makassar, with students, young people and ordinary citizens taking part.

There has long been public demand in Indonesia for stronger action against corruption, greater accountability in government institutions and transparent management of state assets. The latest protests reflected these demands as well as growing dissatisfaction over the cost of living, government programmes and social policies.

Thousands Storm Toward Indonesia’s Parliament in Fierce Anti-Corruption Protest