August 16, 2026 | 09:54 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI), together with the Alliance of Student Executive Boards across Indonesia and civil society groups, will hold a protest under the hashtag #ReclaimIndependence at the Hotel Indonesia (HI) Roundabout in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
BEM UI Chairperson Yatalathof Ma’shum Imawan said the theme was chosen to coincide with Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17. However, he said conditions on the ground raise questions about whether Indonesians have truly achieved the meaning of independence.
“We can ask ourselves and the public whether we are truly free. That is why we will use the hashtag ‘Reclaim Independence,’” Athof, as Yatalathof is known, said at the UI campus in Depok on Sunday, August 16.
The protest will also raise several other demands, including concerns over government priority programs such as the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program and Red-and-White Village Cooperatives (KDMP). The student groups consider both programs problematic.
Athof cited the management of kitchens operated by Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), saying many are allegedly owned by people close to the government. He also questioned the implementation of KDMP, which he described as chaotic.
“KDMP is sacrificing regional budgets that should be used to provide public services and pay civil servants. What is happening now is massive waste,” Athof said.
He also questioned President Prabowo Subianto’s statement that Indonesia is a large and prosperous country. On the ground, Athof said many Indonesians remain unemployed, while education and healthcare costs remain expensive.
He further criticized what he described as government spending that wastes taxpayers’ money.
“So where is the independence?” Athof said.
The planned protest comes one day after Indonesia marked its 81st Independence Day, with the student groups using the anniversary to question whether the country’s political and economic conditions reflect the ideals of independence.
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