UI Students Declare 'Reformasi is Dead' in Symbolic Protest

In a powerful symbolic act, students from the University of Indonesia (BEM UI) declared "Reformasi Mati" – Reform is Dead – during a demonstration at the Tugu Makara on their Depok Campus. Dressed in black as a sign of mourning, the students staged a mock burial for the era of democratic reform that began in 1998, complete with banners proclaiming "Reformasi Mati, Prabowo Happy" and "Adili Prabowo dan Kroninya" (Hold Prabowo and his cronies accountable). This demonstration is a stark expression of disillusionment with the current state of Indonesian democracy, which they argue has failed to deliver on the promises of the reformasi movement.

“

We declare that the reformasi we have fought for all this time is now dead.

The students' declaration stems from a deep-seated frustration with what they perceive as the resurgence of corruption, collusion, and nepotism (KKN), which they claim have reached unprecedented levels. They also point to a worrying trend toward the re-centralization of power, a move they believe directly contradicts the spirit of regional autonomy that was a cornerstone of the reformasi agenda. The decision to confer the title of national hero upon former President Suharto, a figurehead of the New Order regime that reformasi sought to dismantle, is seen as a particularly egregious betrayal of the movement's ideals.

“

We are witnessing the end of the reformasi agenda.

Coordinator Hafidz Haernanda emphasized that the protest was not an attempt to diminish the historical significance of the 1998 student movement. Instead, it serves as a potent reminder that the spirit of resistance can be rekindled. "We have fought before, and we can fight again in the future," he asserted, signaling a potential for renewed activism. The students' actions highlight a critical juncture for Indonesia, where the gains of the reformasi era appear to be eroding, leading to anxieties about a potential slide back into a more repressive political climate, reminiscent of the New Order.

“

We have fought before, and we can fight again in the future.

This sentiment is particularly resonant in Indonesia, where the transition to democracy after decades of authoritarian rule was hard-won. The reformasi era brought about significant political and social changes, decentralizing power and opening up space for civil society. The current disillusionment among students reflects a broader societal concern that these hard-won freedoms are under threat. The symbolic burial of reformasi is not just a protest; it's a wake-up call, urging Indonesians to remain vigilant and to actively defend the democratic principles they fought so hard to achieve. The stark contrast between the aspirations of 1998 and the current perceived reality underscores the fragility of democratic progress and the continuous need for civic engagement.

“

The white cloth has become stained and ruined over time; in our upcoming procession, we will replace it with black.