BEM UI to Stage 'Reclaim Independence' Protest Today at HI Roundabout

The University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI) is set to stage a protest on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout in Central Jakarta. This action, dubbed "Reclaim Independence" (Merebut Kemerdekaan), follows a similar demonstration on June 12, where student protesters were intercepted by security forces.

The student group announced the protest via their @bemui_official Instagram account, inviting civil society members to join. BEM UI stated that their decision to protest stems from a "careful study and consolidation efforts," concluding that "the people of Indonesia are not yet truly free." They argue that the state, under the Prabowo Subianto regime, is actively oppressing its citizens through economic and political means, leading to a concentration of power.

“

During that consolidation, we concluded that the people of Indonesia are not yet truly free.

During this protest, BEM UI intends to demand an end to the oppression of the people, along with a halt to corruption, collusion, and nepotism. Specific demands include reducing the prices of basic necessities and fuel, which have seen significant increases under recent administrations. For instance, Pertamax prices reached Rp16,250 per liter by mid-2026, while fuel subsidies have been managed differently by successive governments.

Further demands encompass a comprehensive evaluation of national strategic projects, the cancellation of the free nutritious meal program and the "Merah Putih" village cooperative initiative, and an end to security force intervention in civic matters. BEM UI also called for the disbandment of territorial military battalions focused on development and urged the central government to cease cutting transfer funds to regions, advocating for the restoration of regional autonomy. Additionally, the students addressed the recent earthquakes in East Nusa Tenggara and Sumatra, calling for a national disaster status declaration and accelerated recovery efforts.

“

Declare a national disaster status for the Sumatra and Flores regions and accelerate recovery efforts in the affected areas.