Thousands of Indonesians marched on the parliament in Jakarta on August 27, 2026, to demand stricter penalties for corrupt officials. The protests coincided with the anniversary of previous antigovernment riots that resulted in approximately 10 deaths and nearly 7,000 arrests.
Riot police contained the crowd behind locked gates for much of the day. According to the AFP news agency, after nightfall, some protesters threw objects at police, who responded with tear gas and a water cannon. A police post and a motorcycle were set on fire, and several individuals were taken away on stretchers.
In addition to the protests in Jakarta, students also demonstrated in the cities of Yogyakarta and Makassar. Protesters are advocating for the passage of an asset-seizure bill that has been pending since 2008, which would enable the state to confiscate assets linked to corruption. Some participants called for the death penalty for corrupt officials.
Some lawmakers met with representatives of the United Pati Community Alliance outside parliament, promising to resign if the bill is not approved by December 15, as stated by the group's leader, Sopriyano. Around 200 students from various universities participated in the protest, calling for the cancellation of a free school meal program that has faced allegations of corruption and food poisoning incidents. They also demanded an end to the perceived militarization of Indonesian society and lower food prices.
A student representative stated, "We chose August 27 to commemorate because last year there were riots and various other incidents. And today we want to convey our aspirations, not cause riots." Jakarta police deployed 18,500 officers and detained 65 individuals prior to the march, suspecting them of being provocateurs, according to spokesperson Budi Hermanto. Chief Security Minister Djamari Chaniago noted that the police presence was not intended to suppress free expression, stating, "We will escort them so that their aspirations can be conveyed properly."