BEM UI Chairman Questions Police Pressure to Change Protest Location

The chairman of the Indonesian University Students' Executive Body (BEM UI) has publicly questioned the police's actions, alleging they were pressured to demonstrate at the Parliament (DPR) complex instead of their planned location at Bundaran HI in Central Jakarta. Yatalathof Ma'shum Imawan, chairman of BEM UI, argued that the right to protest is constitutionally protected and that their action only required a notification, not formal permission.

Imawan stated that BEM UI had sent a notification letter to the Central Jakarta Police via WhatsApp, which he claims was acknowledged. However, he expressed confusion and frustration over the police's insistence that the demonstration was procedurally flawed. "Why is the police forcing us to demonstrate at the DPR? It's quite strange," Imawan remarked, also referencing alleged blockades preventing protesters from performing Friday prayers.

Central Jakarta Police Chief Kombes Pol Reynold E.P Hutagalung countered that while an initial notification via PDF through WhatsApp was received early on June 11, 2026, it did not meet the legal requirement of being submitted in person by the event's organizer. According to Indonesian law (Law No. 9 of 1998), such notifications must be delivered directly to the police at least 72 hours before the event.

Despite the dispute over notification procedures, Hutagalung assured that the police provided security to ensure the demonstration proceeded safely and orderly. He reiterated that while expressing opinions is a citizen's right, it must be conducted in accordance with established regulations to maintain public order. The protest, organized by the BEM UI Alliance and other student groups, ultimately took place near the Thamrin Nine Ballroom.