Banyumas Raya Students Hold Free Book Market Protest

Students from BEM se-Banyumas Raya in Central Java held a protest and free book market in Alun-alun Purwokerto over the weekend, criticizing the policies of the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka administration. The demonstration, which partially blocked Jalan Jenderal Soedirman, aimed to voice concerns that the government's direction is flawed.

Coordinator Setyawan stated that the protest is a follow-up to previous demonstrations, reflecting a broader societal dissatisfaction with the current government. "We feel tired of Prabowo-Gibran being in office. Not even two years, but the damage caused is already very large. We see the Indonesian economy stagnating due to fiscal policies and policies related to national strategic projects that we believe are not appropriate," Setyawan told reporters.

The students presented five main demands: halting the "Makan Bergizi Gratis" (Free Nutritious Meal) program, stopping the "Koperasi Desa Merah Putih" (Red White Village Cooperative) project, and re-establishing civil supremacy, including criticism of the TNI Law and the Polri Bill.

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We feel tired of Prabowo-Gibran being in office. Not even two years, but the damage caused is already very large. We see the Indonesian economy stagnating due to fiscal policies and policies related to national strategic projects that we believe are not appropriate.

This protest was intentionally designed to be different, incorporating not only orations but also musical performances, theatrical acts, a free book market, and a free used clothing market. "We want a free forum that is not just about orations, but also about arts. That's why there are bands, and there will be theatrical performances. There is also a book market here, a free market. That is proof that it is not only students who are fed up, but the public also feels the same way," Setyawan added.

Participants came from various elements, including student organizations and community groups like Aksi Kamisan Purwokerto. Setyawan noted that the students had removed their university attire to blend in with the community, emphasizing that the action was under the banner of BEM Banyumas Raya in collaboration with various organizations.

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We want a free forum that is not just about orations, but also about arts. That's why there are bands, and there will be theatrical performances. There is also a book market here, a free market. That is proof that it is not only students who are fed up, but the public also feels the same way.