TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Student alliances across various campuses are staging a demonstration at the HI Roundabout in Jakarta today, Friday, June 12, 2026. The students are raising at least five demands, including halting Prabowo's flagship free meal and village cooperative programs.
Today's protest is dubbed 'Towards Indonesia's Bankruptcy' (Menuju Indonesia Bangkrut) and will be joined by the Student Executive Board (BEM) alliance from various universities. These include the University of Indonesia (UI), IPB University, Jakarta State Polytechnic, Pancasila University, and Gunadarma University.
Besides the BEM alliance, student organizations such as the National Student Front and the progressive Student Union (Semar UI) will join today's rally.
What Prompted Today's Protest in Jakarta?
The economic and political states of Indonesia today are awful, says BEM UI chair Yatalathof Ma'shum Imawan, citing skyrocketing prices and narrowing job opportunities.
"What is the government doing [in response]? Busy polishing their image while giving projects to their cronies," he remarks.
On paper, the country's economy is indeed growing, Athof adds. But the reality is this remains a difficult time for the citizens.
Therefore, the students are demanding for the government—both executive and legislative branches—to stop wasting state funds and stop making excuses to deny the current crisis.
"In fact, in many regions, Pertalite fuel is growing scarce, and power is being cut off, especially in Java Island, not to mention outside Java Island," he says.
"If the situation does not improve, then, in accordance with our tagline, 'Towards Indonesia's Bankruptcy,' we are economically, democratically, and morally bankrupt as a nation."
Athof stresses that today's protest is not about political differences, but about those who are truly at a disadvantage—the Indonesian people. "We believe we have tried giving [the government] chances and time for too long. Because data-driven criticisms are always ignored, and especially since the government chooses to evade responsibility instead of taking accountability," he says.
How Many Students Are Joining the Protest?
According to Athof, about 1,000 UI students are taking to the streets today. "The crowd from Depok and its surroundings is 1,000, and if combined with others, it could reach 3,000," he says at the university parking lot.
According to Tempo's observations, UI students started arriving at the meeting point at 08.30 a.m. local time.
Several students prepared attributes for the rally, one of which was a banner written using black and red spray paint. Some of the banners displayed phrases such as 'Towards Indonesia's Bankruptcy'; 'Gibran Raka Bullshit'; 'Stop MBG'; 'Rupiah's Sweet 18 Rupiah'; and more.
Around 15 buses and 10 public minivans were also observed at the parking lot, ready to transport the students to the HI Roundabout, where protesters will culminate this afternoon.
Besides UI students, Athof says students from other universities will join them at the protest location.
What Are the Demands?
Athof relayed at least five demands raised in today's protest. First, for the government to stop inefficient budget spending.
Second, to lower the prices of basic necessities and fuel. "Third, stop the free nutritious meal program and the development of the Red and White Village Cooperative," Athof said on Thursday.
Fourth, he said, the alliance also demands an end to military involvement in civilian affairs, and, fifth. for Prabowo to "stop evading and acknowledge policy shortcomings."
Ricky Juliansyah contributed to the writing of this article.
Read: Student Protests Today: 'Indonesia Bankruptcy' Action and UNJ Resistance Rally
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