BEM UI to Stage Protest at HI Roundabout Today

The University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI) announced plans for a protest today, Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout in Central Jakarta. This location was chosen due to a prior protest that took place there on June 12, 2026. The rally, titled "Reclaim Independence" (Merebut Kemerdekaan), was originally announced via the @bemui_official Instagram account.

BEM UI justified the protest by stating that the people of Indonesia are not truly free, as per a joint statement released on Monday, August 17, 2026. The student group accused the Prabowo Subianto regime of concentrating power and oppressing its own citizens across economic and political spheres.

During the protest, BEM UI called for an end to government oppression, corruption, collusion, nepotism, and an increase in basic necessities and fuel prices. They also demanded a review of national strategic projects, cancellation of certain programs, and the disbandment of military battalions focused on development. Additionally, BEM UI requested the central government to stop reducing transfer funds to regions and restore regional autonomy.

The group also addressed the earthquakes that struck East Nusa Tenggara and parts of Sumatra, urging a national disaster declaration for the Sumatra and Flores regions, and faster recovery efforts in affected areas.