Government plan to raise fuel prices sparks protests in Indonesia

A tear gas canister fired by Indonesian police officers explodes in the air during a protest against the government's plan to raise fuel prices in Jakarta, Indonesia, March 27. The Indonesian government plans to raise fuel prices by about 33 percent next month to avoid a budget deficit due to expensive fuel subsidies.

A police officer fires a tear gas launcher to disperse student protesters during a protest against the government's plan to raise fuel prices in Jakarta, Indonesia March 27. The Indonesian government plans to raise fuel prices by about 33 percent next month to avoid a budget deficit due to expensive fuel subsidies.

A student protester throws a rock at police water cannon during a protest against the government's plan to raise fuel prices in Jakarta, Indonesia, March 27. Police fired tear gas and water canons to disperse thousands of rock-throwing Indonesians protesting plans to push up fuel prices by more than 30 percent.

A student protester runs from tear gas fired by riot police during a protest against the government's plan to raise fuel prices in Jakarta, Indonesia, March 27. Police fired tear gas and water canons to disperse thousands of rock-throwing Indonesians protesting plans to push up fuel prices by more than 30 percent.