Indonesian students demand action on wildfires and rising costs

What the report says

Hundreds of Indonesian students and civil society activists held protests in Jakarta and other cities, pressing President Prabowo Subianto’s government over its response to forest fires and its spending priorities. The demonstrations, reported by Al Jazeera on 28 October 2026, came amid public concern about the impact of ongoing wildfires and broader economic pressures.

According to the report, the protesters criticized the authorities’ handling of the fires, which have become a recurring issue in Indonesia and often draw concern because of their effects on health, transport, and the environment. They also objected to rising living costs and said government resources should be directed toward more urgent public needs.

The protests matter because they reflect wider frustration among students and civic groups with the administration’s policy direction. While the article snippet does not provide detailed police response or specific policy changes, it shows that opposition to the government is taking place in multiple urban centers, not just the capital.

Indonesia has long faced seasonal forest and peatland fires, especially during dry periods, and such blazes can spread smoke across the region. In that broader context, the demonstrations add pressure on the government to show a stronger response to environmental and economic concerns.