Around 100 people gathered near a government building in Surabaya on June 26 to protest a roughly 30% increase in non-subsidized gasoline prices and President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship free meals scheme [1, 2, 3, 4]. The fuel price hike was introduced earlier in June amid global oil supply tensions driven by the Middle East conflict, as the government sought to ease budget pressures [2, 3, 4].
Some demonstrators threw rocks at police and set fire to rubbish in the street during the protest [1, 2, 3, 4]. Surabaya police chief Luthfie Sulistiawan said officers took "firm actions" to push back protesters after some threw projectiles [1, 2, 3].
Police arrested dozens of participants. A coordinator from a rights group confirmed 24 people were detained and questioned until early June 27 but said no charges had been filed against those arrested [1, 2, 3, 4].
The free meals scheme, a key part of Prabowo’s political agenda, faced sharp criticism for wastefulness and links to mass food poisoning incidents. It is currently partly suspended amid growing dissatisfaction [2, 3, 4].
Thousands of students in Jakarta held protests around the same time, demanding an end to both the fuel price increase and the free meals program [2, 3, 4]. Earlier nationwide protests in 2024 during Prabowo’s administration included unrest over legislative perks and police violence that resulted in multiple deaths and thousands of arrests [2].
The Surabaya protest represents the latest public challenge to Prabowo’s economic and social policies. Authorities detained protesters for questioning through the night but have not pressed charges. Officials did not announce further planned demonstrations or government responses as of June 27.
