Shops and businesses in towns on the islands of Sumatra and Sulawesi were attacked by looters protesting against the high food prices and corruption.

In a separate move intended to win over government critics, two close relatives of former President Suharto have resigned from one of Indonesia's largest companies, the Bimantara Citra conglomerate.

Mr Suharto's second son, Bambang Trihatmodjo, relinquished his post as chairman of the board. Indra Rukmana, who is married to Mr Suharto's eldest daughter, stood down as chief commissioner for the company.

Opponents of Mr Suharto have accused him and his family of amassing vast fortunes from Indonesian companies through appointments while he was in power.

Bank customers in Jakarta: the Suharto family is surrendering some financial control

On Thursday, the Indonesian authorities took control of the country's biggest private bank PT Bank Central Asia, which is owned by family and friends of Mr Suharto.