Indonesia detains dozens after night of protest violence

Yogyakarta, Indonesia experienced a night of protest violence as demonstrators clashed with security forces overnight, detaining over 150 individuals, according to a police spokeswoman. The unrest erupted following demonstrations across multiple Indonesian cities on Tuesday, centered around grievances with the government's economic management, wildfire response, and stagnant wages.

Approximately 100 protesters congregated near Yogyakarta's parliament around 8pm, throwing firecrackers, rocks, and Molotov cocktails at the building. In response, authorities deployed tactical vehicles to break up the crowd. Police reported seizing Molotov cocktails and firecrackers as evidence. Tear gas and water cannons were used to disperse protesters later that evening, as witnessed by an AFP reporter.

Police spokesperson Novita Eka Sari confirmed 154 detentions related to the unrest. National Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto pledged a comprehensive investigation into the incident, questioning whether there were deliberate efforts to cause damage or other objectives. On Tuesday, a separate protest in Yogyakarta called for higher minimum wages, clearing out before the subsequent violence. In Surabaya, the second-largest city, protesters also took to the streets, citing wildfires and soaring food prices.