Student Protests Planned Against Prabowo Government Over Economic Woes

Student executive bodies from multiple Indonesian universities are set to participate in a protest dubbed "Indonesia Bangkrut" (Indonesia Bankrupt) on June 12, 2026, in Jakarta. The demonstration, initiated by the Student Executive Body of the University of Indonesia (BEM UI), will gather at the HI Roundabout.

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Some organizations and movement nodes that participated in the national consolidation at the UI Campus yesterday (June 10, 2026) are still confirming their attendance.

BEM UI Chairman Yatalathof Ma'shum Imawan stated that 15 BEMs from UI's faculties, along with eight other university BEMs and movement organizations, will join. These include BEM from IPB University, Jakarta State Polytechnic, and Pancasila University, as well as groups like the National Student Front (FMN) and Progressive Student Union UI (Semar UI).

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Prabowo must stop evading and admit the government's mistakes.

The protest's core demands, formulated during a national consolidation meeting on June 10, include halting President Prabowo Subianto's "free nutritious food" project and the "red and white village cooperative." Protesters also demand an end to state budget waste, lower prices for basic necessities and fuel, and a cessation of militarism in civilian spheres.

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Fiscal policies are leaky, BI's independence is taken away. Not to mention the communication from the government to the public is far from adequate.

Imawan criticized the government's handling of economic and democratic issues, stating that despite Indonesia's wealth, its people remain impoverished. He pointed to declining economic growth, what he described as "leaky fiscal policies," and the alleged undermining of the central bank's independence. The student leader also accused the government of denying existing problems and using state apparatus to silence dissent.

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State apparatus are also used as tools to silence those who speak out.