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Jakarta Riots of May 1998 Wikipedia

Jakarta Riots of May 1998 were riots that occurred in several parts of Indonesia, notably Jakarta during May 1998. The riots were triggered by economic problems like food shortages and mass unemployment in Indonesia.

The Indonesian currency Rupiah had collapsed and prices of basic goods skyrocketed. Students took to the streets in Jakarta and protested against then President Suharto. Prominent in the protests were students from Trisakti University. Despite the promise of election next year, the students refused to return to their campuses. They tore down the gates of Indonesia's parliament. Many buildings were also destroyed–the main target were shops and cars owned by ethnic-Chinese (Indonesian Chinese) who were blamed for the economic situation. Fearing for their lives, many ethnic Chinese fled the country. Ethnic Chinese make up about 3-5% of Indonesia's population.

Last Modified:   2005-11-07