Why did protesters in Surabaya clash with police on the road?

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Protesters Clashed with Police in Surabaya Due to Actions During a Demonstration Against Government Policies

Protesters in Surabaya clashed with police on the road after some demonstrators engaged in disruptive actions during a rally against President Prabowo Subianto’s policies. These actions included hurling rocks at officers and setting fire to rubbish in the street, which prompted police to respond with arrests.
Disruptive Actions Led to Police Intervention

The confrontation occurred when a group of approximately 100 people gathered near a government building in Surabaya to voice their opposition to a recent fuel price hike and President Prabowo’s free meals scheme. During the demonstration, a segment of the protesters resorted to throwing projectiles at the police and igniting rubbish in the roadway. These specific actions directly led to the police intervention and subsequent arrests.
Official Statement on Police Response

Surabaya police chief Luthfie Sulistiawan stated that officers had taken "firm actions" to push back the protesters following the instances where projectiles were thrown. While he indicated that "dozens" of arrests were made, a precise number was not immediately specified by the police.
Arrested Demonstrators Questioned but Not Charged

Twenty-four protesters were arrested, according to Fatkul Khoir, a coordinator at the rights group KontraS Surabaya. These individuals were reportedly questioned by the authorities until early Saturday morning but were not formally charged with any offenses.
Broader Context of Protests Against Prabowo's Policies

The Surabaya incident is part of a wider wave of protests that have emerged in Indonesia following the Prabowo administration's decision to increase prices for non-subsidised gasoline by approximately 30 percent. This move was aimed at alleviating budgetary pressures amidst global oil supply concerns. Additionally, the flagship free meals scheme has drawn significant criticism for its perceived wastefulness and links to food poisoning incidents, leading to its partial suspension.

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Why did protesters in Surabaya clash with police on the road?

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