Insane scenes in Indonesia as huge numbers protest over cooking oil prices

Huge numbers of students have taken to the streets today in protest of high cooking oil prices with one man severely beaten.

Police arrest a protester who climbed a fountain near the presidential palace during a protest by students. Picture: ADEK BERRY / AFP

A man has reportedly been “beaten to a pulp” during chaotic scenes at a protest in Indonesia.

Huge numbers of students have taken to the streets today in protest of high cooking oil prices and the possible extension of Joko Widodo’s term in office.

Hundreds gathered outside parliament in the capital, Jakarta, and a number of other locations inside Indonesia, with police using tear gas and a water cannon to bring down the crowd.

The price of cooking oil in Indonesia last month was $3.37 USD, or AU$4.52, according to Global Product Prices, but the students are also angry over the rising cost of living, including fuel and gas.

Police arrest a man during a rally against high prices of supplies in Jakarta. Picture: ADEK BERRY / AFP)

Students march during a protest against in Jakarta. Picture: ADEK BERRY / AFP

Political activist and University of Indonesia academic Ade Armando was at the demonstration in front of the Indonesian parliament building when he was beaten by a “chaotic mob” from a separate group and subsequently died at the scene.

“Not only was his face battered, his whole body was covered in blood. In fact, Ade was seen looking half naked because the pants he was wearing were torn when brought by police officers,” Kompas TV reported.

The motive for the beating is unknown, according to local authorities, but in social media videos he appears to be arguing with several people before being beaten by a number of men.

“We regret the acts of violence committed in the month of Ramadan. Besides that, after all, Bang Ade is a lecturer. Our teacher. Our parents. The police must act decisively to investigate this incident,” said Dr Algooth Putranto, who is also a lecturer at the University of Indonesia.

Police arrest a protester who climbed a fountain near the presidential palace. Picture: ADEK BERRY / AFP

Police arrest a man during a rally against high prices of supplies in Jakarta. Picture: ADEK BERRY / AFP)

During the protests the National Association of Student Executive Bodies (BEM-SI) also demanded the government dismiss plans to delay the 2024 elections with an amendment that would allow President Joko Widodo to run for a third term.

“Starting from the increase in the price of fuel oil, then the scarcity and increase in cooking oil prices,” said Safrudin, student representative of Bung Karno University.

He said that although the students did not expect Jokowi to meet with them directly, he hoped that the government “will hear our voices and take steps to immediately resolve this issue,” he told Kompas TV.

The protest also focused on the postponement of presidential elections. Picture: ADEK BERRY / AFP

An extension of the President's term in Jakarta was also an issue. Picture: ADEK BERRY / AFP

The protests were originally planned for the Presidential palace but were changed after a last minute address by President Widodo appeared to confirm that he will not run for a third term during a general meeting at the palace on Sunday.

“Don’t let there be speculation among the public that the government is trying to delay the election or speculate on extending the presidential term or anything related to a third term,” he said.

“I think it’s clear, I already know that the election will be held on February 14, 2024.”

Police arrest a man/ Picture: ADEK BERRY / AFP

Police arrest a man during a rally against high prices of supplies, postponement of presidential elections and an extension of the President's term in Jakarta on April 11, 2022. (Photo by ADEK BERRY / AFP)