Student protesters block DPR building in Jakarta, traffic diverted
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Students from various universities protested at the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) building in Jakarta on June 19, 2026.
- The protest, which caused traffic diversions, focused on the government's free nutritious meal program and the Red and White Village Cooperative (KDMP) program.
- Protesters also called for an evaluation of the KDMP program and stabilization of fuel prices to maintain public purchasing power.
Student protesters from multiple universities converged on the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) building in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Friday, June 19, 2026, leading to significant traffic diversions. The demonstration, which began around 3:30 p.m. local time, saw members of the Islamic Student Association (HMI) and students from Mercu Buana, Esa Unggul, and Trisakti Universities gathering to voice their concerns.
The primary focus of the protest was the government's flagship free nutritious meal program. Protesters demanded an evaluation of its implementation, alongside concerns about the Red and White Village Cooperative (KDMP) program. Additionally, they called for measures to stabilize fuel prices, arguing that this is essential for maintaining the public's purchasing power.
From Cawang heading to Slipi, you may use the Benhil road through the Semanggi overpass.
In response to the protest, the police closed a section of Jalan Gatot Subroto in front of the parliament complex starting at 4:00 p.m. The Jakarta Metro Police urged the public to seek alternative routes, providing specific detours for those traveling between Cawang and Slipi, and for vehicles intending to pass in front of the DPR building.
The demonstration highlights ongoing public scrutiny of government programs and economic policies. The students' demands reflect a broader concern about the effectiveness of social welfare initiatives and the impact of fuel prices on the cost of living for ordinary citizens.
They can pass through TVRI and use the route towards Patal Senayan heading to Permata Hijau.
Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.