Indonesian Student Union Launches "Indonesia Bankrupt" Protest, Seeks Donations

The Executive Committee of Students (BEM) at the University of Indonesia is mobilizing for a protest action labeled "Indonesia Bangkrut" (Indonesia is Bankrupt), scheduled for June 12, 2026, at the HI Roundabout in Central Jakarta. The student group announced the protest and opened a call for donations and participant registration via their official Instagram account on June 11.

“

We fundraise for every action.

BEM UI stated that fundraising is a standard practice for their actions, covering essential field costs such as transportation and supplies. They are accepting donations in cash or kind, including consumables, water, and medical equipment. The protest is expected to draw participants from 15 faculties within the University of Indonesia, along with several other universities and student organizations, including IPB University and Politeknik Negeri Jakarta.

“

We accept anything as long as it can be useful for the action.

The "Indonesia Bangkrut" action stems from a national student consolidation held on June 10 at the University of Indonesia. During this meeting, students agreed on five core demands. These include urging President Prabowo Subianto to cease the "Nutritious Free Meal" program and the "Red and White Village Cooperative," alongside calls to halt state budget waste, reduce the prices of essential goods and fuel, and end militarism in civilian spheres. BEM UI attributes these demands to what they perceive as worsening economic and democratic conditions in Indonesia, arguing that the nation's vast resources are not translating into equitable welfare.

“

It is of course influenced by many factors.