Republic Conference moves online after UI campus cancels permit

The "Konferensi Republik" (Republic Conference) was forced to move its national consolidation event online after the Universitas Indonesia (UI) Salemba campus abruptly canceled the permit for their planned gathering on Sunday, June 28, 2026.

The movement, described as a national consolidation forum initiated by civil society, academics, and students, aims to formulate critical steps for safeguarding democracy in Indonesia. This event follows an initial conference held in Yogyakarta on May 30, 2026, which brought together various civil society organizations, activists, academics, and national figures under the theme 'Republic Conference: Strengthening Civil Society as Pillars of the Republic.'

Sudirman Said, the Chief Committee Chairman, stated that the Yogyakarta meeting served as a space for reflection and consolidating dispersed ideas into organized collective will. He emphasized that civil society has historically been a guiding force for the people and societal change, even predating the state's establishment.

The national consolidation meeting, held in Cikini, Jakarta, focused on three key areas: the organization's platform, movement design, and leadership. Over 200 participants engaged in discussions, both in person and online. Yanuar Nugroho, the Secretary-General of the Organizing Committee, noted that discussions highlighted the core values the organization will uphold, with a consensus on championing the public good. He stressed the importance of "gotong-royong" (mutual cooperation) and building coalitions across generations, sectors, and actors.