Indonesian Students Plan Palace Protest to 'Reshape Indonesia'

Student activists are set to rally at the State Palace in Jakarta on Monday, June 15, 2026, calling for a fundamental reshaping of Indonesia. The demonstration, organized by the Student Executive Board of Bung Karno University (BEM UBK), will proceed under the theme "Tata Ulang Indonesia" (Reshape Indonesia).

The students are advancing six key demands. They are urging the government to temporarily suspend and critically evaluate both the free nutritious meal (MBG) program and the Red and White Village Cooperatives. Additionally, they seek a review of the Police Law, an end to militarism, and a firm commitment to civilian supremacy.

Further pressing the administration, the student body calls for strategic actions to stabilize the national currency, the rupiah, and strengthen economic resilience. They also advocate for inclusive, high-quality, and affordable education for all citizens. A critical review of recent fuel price increases, which have reportedly burdened the public, is also on their agenda.

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We initiated this consolidation because all indicators suggest the country must rise from its current slump.

M. Abdi Maludin, Chairperson of the BEM Faculty of Law at UBK, stated that the "Tata Ulang Indonesia" movement emerged from a consolidation of UBK student organizations on Saturday, June 13, 2026. He explained that internal assessments indicate the nation is currently experiencing a downturn, a sentiment aligning with broader discussions about "Reformation 2.0" and protests against the MBG program. "All indicators suggest the country must rise from its current slump," Abdi told Tempo.

Maludin stressed that BEM UBK does not aim to incite the kind of widespread unrest seen in 1998. Instead, the movement prioritizes national unity amidst current challenges. "We do not want Indonesia to be divided by provocation; as students and citizens, we must anticipate and prevent that," he asserted. Approximately 200 UBK students are expected to join the rally, with potential participation from other universities like Pamulang University and Muhammadiyah University of Jakarta.

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We do not want Indonesia to be divided by provocation; as students and citizens, we must anticipate and prevent that.