On Saturday, September 3, Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo (known as “Jokowi”) reduced the nation’s petroleum subsidies. Enraged by a sudden rise in gas prices, students took to the streets in a number of cities on the following Monday. Within days, professional drivers and average consumers alike joined popular protests that have paralyzed streets and city centers across the archipelago.

Technically, Jokowi did not raise the price of gas. However, the roughly 30 percent cut to petroleum subsidies immediately hit consumers at the gas pump. A liter of low octane jumped from IDR 7,650 (US$0.51) to 10,000 (US$0.67). Higher octane prices, which increased earlier this year, went from IDR 12,500 to 14,500.

The vast majority of Indonesians cannot afford automobiles and thus use motorcycles that take the cheaper product. As a result, the price hikes hit lower-income consumers hardest. With many countries throughout the Global South struggling to cope with soaring energy prices, the Indonesian protests may be a sign of things to come.