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BEM UI students protest in Jakarta demanding economic and policy reforms
Students from the University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI) staged a protest in Central Jakarta on August 18, 2026, titled #MerebutKemerdekaan. The demonstration, aimed at questioning the current state of national sovereignty and economic conditions, targeted the administration of President Prabowo Subianto.
The protesters presented eight primary demands, including an end to corruption, collusion, and nepotism (KKN); lower prices for fuel and basic necessities; agrarian reform; and a comprehensive evaluation of National Strategic Projects (PSN). They also called for the restoration of regional autonomy and the cessation of specific government programs like the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG).
Security forces, including 6,962 personnel from the Central Jakarta Metropolitan Police, were deployed to manage the crowds. While the protest was intended to reach the Hotel Indonesia (HI) Roundabout, demonstrators were largely intercepted by police barricades near the UOB building. The event saw instances of tension between students and authorities, with reports of police seizing items and 21 individuals being detained for allegedly possessing dangerous items intended to incite unrest. BEM UI organizers reported facing intimidation, including alleged sabotage of transportation and command vehicles.
Entities
BEM UI · Gibran Rakabuming Raka · Hotel Indonesia Roundabout · Jakarta · Jakarta Metropolitan Police · Polda Metro Jaya · Prabowo Subianto · Universitas Indonesia · University of Indonesia · University of Indonesia Student Executive Board · Yatalathof Ma'shum Imawan
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The protesters seek an evaluation of National Strategic Projects (PSN). en.tempo.co · katadata.co.id · www.gelora.co
- [● 4 SOURCES] The group demands the restoration of regional autonomy and an end to the centralization of power. en.tempo.co · time.news · katadata.co.id · www.gelora.co
- [● 5 SOURCES] The protest includes eight specific demands directed at the government. en.tempo.co · katadata.co.id · www.liputan6.com · www.gelora.co
- [● 3 SOURCES] One demand is to end corruption, collusion, and nepotism (KKN). en.tempo.co · katadata.co.id · www.gelora.co
- [○ 1 SOURCE] BEM UI claims they submitted a notification letter to the Central Jakarta Metro Police on August 15, 2026.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Police officials stated they had not received an official notification letter for the protest as of the report.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The group demands a reduction in the prices of basic necessities and fuel. en.tempo.co · time.news · katadata.co.id · www.gelora.co
- [● 7 SOURCES] BEM UI is staging a protest titled #MerebutKemerdekaan at the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout. en.tempo.co · news.republika.co.id · www.liputan6.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Central Jakarta Metropolitan Police deployed 6,962 personnel to secure the protest area. www.jpnn.com · katadata.co.id
- [● 2 SOURCES] Police arrested 21 people suspected of planning to incite a riot during the protest. www.antaranews.com