World · Singapore Bureau
Jakarta protesters demand action on haze crisis and cost of living
Thousands of Indonesians marched through the capital on Wednesday, voicing anger over persistent forest fires and their toll on citizens' wallets. The demonstrations highlighted growing public frustration with government responses to both environmental and economic pressures.
LSN Singapore ·
Students and mothers formed the backbone of rallies across Jakarta, carrying placards condemning ongoing fires in Kalimantan and demanding relief from surging living expenses. The dual-focus protests reflected interconnected anxieties facing many Indonesians, as smoke from biomass burning continues to degrade air quality while inflation strains household budgets.
Activists stressed that Kalimantan's forests remain ablaze despite seasonal patterns suggesting conditions should be improving. Organisers called for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and accountability from plantation operators and officials responsible for fire prevention. The demonstrations underscored public perception that authorities have failed to adequately tackle recurring haze episodes that affect regional air quality.
The cost-of-living grievances amplified the environmental message, with marchers signalling that ordinary Indonesians face compounding hardships. Rising prices for essentials have coincided with degraded air quality, forcing families to spend additional money on health precautions and medical expenses. Protest organisers demanded both immediate environmental action and economic support measures to ease household financial strain.