Again, Police Block Students from Protesting at HI Roundabout
Similar blockades occurred during the BEM UI protest on June 12 at the same location.
On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, student protesters from the University of Indonesia's BEM UI alliance attempted to reach the HI Roundabout in Central Jakarta for a #MerebutKemerdekaan (Reclaim Independence) rally. However, they were obstructed by the police, who claimed the area was critical for mobility and business, thus a protest could disrupt activities.
The students, asserting one-way traffic rules, refused to make a U-turn, citing potential traffic violations. Police deployed multiple vehicles and high barriers to prevent the protesters from passing. This was not the first time the police intervened in such protests, as similar actions were taken during a prior BEM UI rally on June 12 at the same location.
BEM UI deputy chair Fathimah Azzahra criticized the police, arguing the action was unreasonable as they forced the protesters' command vehicle to back up. BEM UI chair Yatalathof Ma shum Imawan expressed discontent, stating the protest aimed to question the nature of independence being celebrated. The police blockade caused minor disruptions in traffic, with a few passenger buses affected, leading to a brief tension among the crowd.
The students presented eight demands to the Prabowo-Gibran government, including an end to repressive actions against civilians and a halt to the construction of a Territorial Development Infantry Battalion.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
