Denying Police Claims, UI Students Provide Evidence of Notifying Police About Bundaran HI Protest
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Indonesian police claimed a student protest on June 12, 2026, in Jakarta lacked prior notification.
- The Chairperson of the UI Law Faculty Student Executive Board provided evidence of a written notice submitted on June 9, 2026.
- The protest addressed issues including alleged corruption in a free meal program and fuel price increases.
A protest organized by students and other societal elements in Jakarta on Friday, June 12, 2026, has become a point of contention regarding official notification procedures.
Here I attach it to answer that question.
Police initially stated that the demonstration, held in the Dukuh Atas area, proceeded without proper coordination, claiming no prior notice had been filed by the students. The protest was reportedly a response to concerns over alleged corruption within the government's "Makan Bergizi Gratis" (Free Nutritious Meal) program and the economic impact of rising Pertamax fuel prices.
However, Anandaku Dimas Rumi, the Chairperson of the Student Executive Board (BEM) of the Faculty of Law at the University of Indonesia (UI), refuted the police's claim. He presented a copy of a written notification letter addressed to the Central Jakarta Police, dated June 9, 2026.
With due regard to the importance of this matter, we intend to notify the implementation of the Mass Action so that the activity receives support and approval.
The letter, originating from the BEM UI's Action and Propaganda Department, clearly outlined the purpose of the protest and designated the Bundaran Hotel Indonesia (HI) area as the action's focal point. Dimas expressed regret over the police's actions in obstructing students heading to the protest site, especially since official notification had been provided three days in advance. He reiterated that the intention was to inform the police to ensure the event received support and approval, as stated in their submitted letter.
Yes, so as previously conveyed, we have submitted a written request for action to the Indonesian National Police, especially the Central Jakarta Police. Because we did plan for this action to be carried out at Bundaran HI.
Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.