TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Alliance of the Student Executive Bodies of Indonesia (BEM SI) will hold a demonstration to commemorate National Education Day (Hardiknas) today, May 2. BEM SI Central Coordinator Muzammil Ihsan stated that the protest will take place at the Arjuna Wijaya Horse Statue in Central Jakarta this Saturday afternoon.
Muzammil noted that this year's Hardiknas rally will be attended by BEM SI members, representatives from Muhammadiyah and 'Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions, and other community groups. "There are approximately 700 participants," Muzammil said in a message on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Muzammil explained that BEM SI is directing nine demands toward the government. First, they call for the reform of education budget governance, the separation of public education funds from the bureaucracy, and an end to the excessive commercialization of education.
Second, BEM SI urges central and regional governments to prioritize education substantively rather than as a mere budgeting formality. The students also demand equal access to quality education in underdeveloped, front-line, and outermost (3T) areas, as well as for remote and vulnerable groups.
Fourth, BEM SI demands improved teacher welfare and a fair, transparent, and dignified resolution for honorary teachers, alongside the equitable distribution of educators and recruitment reform. Furthermore, they demand the rehabilitation of damaged schools and the provision of adequate educational facilities nationwide.
Sixth, BEM SI urges consistent, data-driven education policies with a long-term orientation. Seventh, they promote genuine, contextual character education rooted in national values and local wisdom.
In the eighth point, the students demand transparency and strict oversight of all education budget expenditures. Finally, they urge a revision of the National Education System (Sisdiknas) Law through discussions that involve civil society participation.
The call for action was also shared via the official BEM SI Instagram account, @bem_si. On social media, the demonstration uses the hashtag #GelapGulitaPendidikanIndonesia (#DarknessofIndonesianEducation). BEM SI highlighted existing inequalities and policies that they claim are contrary to the people's interests.
"Hardiknas is not just a ceremony. This is a moment of resistance, a moment to voice the truth," BEM SI wrote in their post.
Andi Adam Faturahman contributed to this article.
Read: Education Day: BEM SI Stages 'Darkness of Education' Rally
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Education Day: BEM SI Stages 'Darkness of Education' Rally
1 jam lalu
To commemorate National Education Day 2026, BEM SI held a "Darkness of Education" rally at the Horse Statue, Jakarta.
BEM SI to Rally in Jakarta, Urging Indonesia's Withdrawal from Board of Peace
56 hari lalu
BEM SI believes that Indonesia's membership on the Board of Peace goes against the principle of an independent and active foreign policy.
One Year of Prabowo-Gibran: BEM SI Says 'Enough' and Lays Out Its Demands
20 Oktober 2025
BEM SI staged a protest on October 20, 2025, marking one year of the Prabowo-Gibran administration.
Police Deploy 1,743 Personnel to Oversee Prabowo-Gibran Anniversary Protest in Jakarta
20 Oktober 2025
The Indonesian National Police prepare to secure a planned protest in Jakarta marking the one-year anniversary of the Prabowo-Gibran administration.
BEM SI to Hold Protest Today, Demand Cancellation of Anti-People Policies
20 Oktober 2025
Student Executive Board of Indonesia (BEM SI) and the Student Executive Board of the University of Indonesia are set to hold a protest.
BEM SI Kerakyatan Calls for Consolidation Ahead of Prabowo-Gibran's First Year in Office
17 Oktober 2025
BEM SI Kerakyatan plans to hold a demonstration to commemorate the one-year governance of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
BEM SI to Stage Protest at the Palace in Jakarta This Afternoon
24 September 2025
The People's BEM SI protest was held in commemoration of National Farmers Day.
Why Did the Student Movement After August Protests Begin to Fade?
12 September 2025
The All-Indonesia Students Executive Board (BEM SI) rejects the idea that the student movement has lost its direction.
Next Steps for Indonesian Students After a Week of 17+8 People's Demands
7 September 2025
BEM SI and student representatives from other campuses are discussing further steps.
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesian Gov't to Provide Rp5-15 Million Aid for Protest Victims
5 September 2025
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
