Thousands of Indonesians protested nationwide Tuesday to reject the government’s plan to hike the subsidised fuel price, with sporadic violence breaking out and injuring several people. In Jakarta, a clash broke out between police and a group of students near the presidential palace, injuring five policemen and “fewer than 10” protesters, Jakarta police spokesman Rikwanto told reporters. Around 500 protesters had pelted rocks, petrol bombs and sticks at police, who then fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd, an AFP photographer saw. “The group was heading to the presidential palace. We stopped them… but they damaged several public facilities”, said Rikwanto, who like many Indonesians only goes by one name. He said 35 people were detained for questioning. Around 3,500 protesters turned out in Jakarta, much fewer than the reportedly 15,000 people the organisers had promised. Earlier, around 300 protesters gathered outside parliament house in the capital Jakarta, carrying banners reading: “Fuel hike will put people in misery”, and others asking the government to step down.
