Why University of Indonesia students are protesting today

Students at the University of Indonesia are set to hold a protest on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the day after Indonesia's 81st Independence Day celebrations. The demonstration, themed "#ReclaimingIndependence," reflects the students' belief that the nation has not yet attained complete freedom.

The Student Executive Body (BEM UI) has prepared eight key demands, targeting issues such as corruption, public welfare, resource management, the concentration of power, and the repressive actions of state apparatus in civil society. Namoradiarta Siahaan, Head of the Strategic Studies Department at BEM UI, stated that the demands stem from a study questioning "81 years, independence for whom?"

The students' demands include ending what they describe as state "colonization" of its people, ceasing corruption, collusion, and nepotism, implementing genuine agrarian reform, and lowering the prices of basic necessities and fuel. They also call for a total evaluation of national strategic projects and the discontinuation of the "Free Nutritious Meal" program and the "Red and White Village Cooperative."

Furthermore, the protest addresses the concentration of power and potential erosion of regional autonomy due to cuts in regional transfers. Students argue that compared to the colonial era and other nations, Indonesia's level of regional autonomy and public welfare does not reflect true independence. The protest also touches upon disaster management, demanding national disaster status for Sumatra and Flores and accelerated recovery efforts. Finally, they call for an end to military and police intervention in civil spaces and the dissolution of territorial infantry units.