Students from the University of Indonesia (UI) staged a protest in central Jakarta on June 12, 2026, demanding economic reforms and an end to government corruption, as police and military forces deployed to manage the demonstration. The rally, themed #MenujuIndonesiaBangkrut (Heading to Bankrupt Indonesia
), called for lower fuel prices, and an end to military intervention in civilian affairs.
Protest Demands and Student Grievances
Students from the University of Indonesia’s Student Executive Council (BEM UI) organized the protest, accusing President Prabowo Subianto’s administration of economic mismanagement and inequality. Their demands included lower prices for basic goods and fuel, stronger anti-corruption measures, agrarian reform, and the restoration of regional autonomy. The protest also criticized the government’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program and Red-and-White Village Cooperatives, which students claimed were poorly managed and wasted public funds.
The students referenced a 2025 movement that highlighted wealth disparities between officials and the public, arguing that leaders prioritized fuel price hikes over wage cuts during crises.
Security Response and Military Involvement
Over 4,000 police and 500 soldiers were deployed to manage the protest, with security forces blocking students from reaching the Hotel Indonesia (HI) Roundabout. Police spokesperson Budi Hermanto cited Jakarta Gubernatorial Decree No. 232 of 2015, which restricts large gatherings at major traffic hubs.
The presence of military personnel drew criticism from protesters and civil society groups. Anandaku Dimas Chattaristo, a UI protester, called the deployment “intimidating,” while activist Al Araf of Centra Initiative condemned it as a misguided policy
echoing past authoritarian practices. The military were used as instruments to confront groups critical of those in power,
he said, referencing the Soeharto era.
Despite the barricades, the protest proceeded peacefully.
Government and Civil Society Reactions
State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi acknowledged the students’ concerns, stating, We have taken those concerns as input.
However, civil society groups like the Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) criticized the government’s response. Wana Alamsyah of ICW accused officials of wasting the state budget
and prioritizing fuel price hikes over wage cuts during economic crises.
Labour groups, including those led by Said Iqbal, declined to join the protest, citing no immediate plans for worker participation. However, observers noted that economic discontent extended beyond students, with ICW highlighting public frustration over non-subsidized fuel prices and the rupiah’s decline.
Previous Tensions and Future Protests
BEM UI vowed to continue its Towards Indonesia’s Bankruptcy
campaign, inviting additional universities to join future rallies. Organizers criticized the Jakarta Metropolitan Police for restricting access to the site.
We wanted to go to HI, but we were blocked in Semanggi,
said FMN member Divar Akbar. Police defended the restriction as necessary for traffic management, while Jakarta Governor spokesperson Chico Hakim denied a ban on protests at the location.
Implications and Unanswered Questions
The protest underscores growing public dissatisfaction with Prabowo’s economic policies and the role of security forces in civic matters. While the government has acknowledged some concerns, the deployment of military personnel raises questions about the militarization of civilian spaces. Analysts note that similar tensions emerged in 2024 and 2025, with protests over inequality and governance.
As BEM UI plans future demonstrations, the government faces pressure to address economic grievances without escalating tensions. The role of the military in managing protests remains a contentious issue, with critics warning of long-term impacts on democratic norms. What remains unclear is whether the administration will adopt the students’ demands or continue its current approach.
