TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – A student-led protest organized by the University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI) ended in Central Jakarta on Friday, June 12, after demonstrators were prevented from reaching their planned rally site at the Hotel Indonesia (HI) Roundabout.
The protesters, who gathered under the banner #IndonesiaMenujuBangkrut ("Indonesia Heading Toward Bankruptcy"), had originally intended to stage their demonstration at the landmark traffic circle. However, their march was blocked by joint security forces from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and National Police (Polri).
BEM UI chair Yatalathof Ma'shum Imawan told demonstrators that the rally marked only the beginning of a broader campaign to press the government to respond to their demands.
"This is not the end. This is only the first step. Let's conserve our energy for what comes next," Athof said during a speech delivered outside the Thamrin Nine complex.
Five Demands
The student coalition put forward five key demands: reducing what it describes as wasteful state spending; lowering the prices of basic goods and fuel; halting the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program and the Red and White Village Cooperative initiative; ending military involvement in civilian affairs; and urging President Prabowo Subianto to acknowledge and take responsibility for government policy failures.
Criticism of Government Policies
Following the rally, representatives of the student alliance issued a statement criticizing the government's economic policies.
The coalition argued that official economic growth figures do not reflect the realities faced by many Indonesians, citing rising food prices and limited employment opportunities.
"Rice prices continue to rise, while jobs remain scarce," a representative of the alliance said.
The group also accused the government of being unresponsive to public criticism and failing to address concerns over economic and democratic conditions.
"The promise of a Golden Indonesia is instead leading the country toward economic and democratic decline," the statement said.
The alliance further criticized the involvement of military personnel in securing the demonstration, arguing that the TNI's primary role should be safeguarding national sovereignty rather than policing civilian protests.
More Protests Planned
Despite ending Friday's rally, organizers signaled that further demonstrations are likely.
Athof said the coalition plans to mobilize a larger number of participants within the next one to two days.
Friday's protest brought together student groups from the University of Indonesia and its 15 faculty student councils, IPB University, Jakarta State Polytechnic (PNJ), Pancasila University, Gunadarma University, and several activist organizations, including the National Student Front (FMN), Pembebasan, and Semar UI.
Additional organizations that participated in a national student consolidation meeting at the University of Indonesia are expected to confirm their involvement in future actions, organizers said.
Ricky Juliansyah contributed to the writing of this article.
Read: Students Tell Military to 'Return to the Barracks' at Jakarta Protest
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Students Tell Military to 'Return to the Barracks' at Jakarta Protest
1 jam lalu
At one point, military personnel helped block protesters from reaching the HI Roundabout, forcing them back toward Semanggi.
Today's Top 3 News: Five Demands Behind Indonesian Students' Protest in Jakarta
2 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
HI Roundabout Protest: 'Don't Be Repressive, We Are Students'
2 jam lalu
Students called on the police to refrain from taking a repressive approach while guarding the protest at HI Roundabout.
TNI Explains Why Troops Were Sent to Jakarta Student Rally
3 jam lalu
The Indonesian military defended the deployment of troops at a student protest in Central Jakarta.
Taliban Arrest 30 Women for Violating Hijab Rules, UN Says
3 jam lalu
The arrests come amid a growing struggle for women in Afghanistan who've been practically barred from society under Taliban rule.
Amnesty Calls for Military Withdrawal From Jakarta Protest
3 jam lalu
Amnesty said the large-scale deployment of police and military personnel in public spaces can have an intimidating effect on civilians.
Student Protest: Jakarta Commuter Readies Operational Adjustments
4 jam lalu
KAI Commuter management will adjust train operations due to student protest centered at HI Roundabout.
UI Students Skip DPR Protest Over Loss of Trust in Parliament
4 jam lalu
Student says the DPR and the government have become indistinguishable in their policy positions.
Why Jakarta Students Are Insistent on HI Roundabout Protest Site
4 jam lalu
Student protesters reject police instruction to protest at the parliamentary complex. Why are they insisting on staging a rally at HI Roundabout?
UI Student: Police Laughed at Requests to Reopen Protest Route
4 jam lalu
Massive student rally from the University of Indonesia was confronted by the police on their way to the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout (HI) area to hold a demonstration. The movement of the students is currently detained around the Semanggi area.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg):watermark(kly-media-production/assets/images/watermarks/bola/watermark-color-landscape-new.png,1125,20,0)/kly-media-production/medias/5495647/original/074499000_1770385031-barba.jpeg)
