Indonesian Students Issue Ultimatum on Rupiah Strengthening, Threaten Protests

Indonesian student groups have issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding immediate action to strengthen the weakening rupiah. The Alliance of Indonesian Student Executive Bodies (BEM SI) regional Central Java has given the government 18 days to address the issue, threatening large-scale protests if their demands are unmet.

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Of course, it is influenced by many factors.

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi acknowledged the students' aspirations, stating that the government values their input. However, he cautioned that Indonesia's current economic problems are multifaceted and not easily resolved. "Of course, it is influenced by many factors," he said, emphasizing the government's commitment to tackling the rupiah's depreciation.

Prasetyo expressed optimism that the government's coordinated efforts and mutually reinforcing policies would stabilize the national economy and provide certainty for businesses. He noted that the students' demands reflect their engagement with the government's performance, particularly in the economic sector.

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With close, intense coordination, and policies that mutually strengthen each other, today also provides certainty to business actors.

The ultimatum was delivered following a national consolidation meeting by BEM SI on June 4, 2026, where the economic crisis, the rupiah's sharp decline against the US dollar, fiscal deficits, unemployment, and rising living costs were discussed. BEM SI and Story Rakyat jointly published the ultimatum on social media, detailing the 18-day deadline.

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The spirit is for all of us to indeed work hard, especially in the economic sector.

Should the government fail to meet the deadline, BEM SI has threatened to launch "Reformasi Jilid 2" (Reformation Volume 2) demonstrations. Meanwhile, the Student Executive Body of the University of Indonesia (BEM UI) is also planning internal discussions and national consolidations to address the economic and democratic conditions under President Prabowo Subianto's administration.

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If the demands are not met, they threaten to hold demonstrations titled Reformasi Jilid 2.