Indonesian student protests against government policies

In August 2026, student groups in Indonesia conducted demonstrations targeting the administration of President Prabowo Subianto regarding economic policies and government priorities.

On August 18, students from the University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI) protested in Central Jakarta under the title #MerebutKemerdekaan. The demonstrators demanded an end to corruption, lower prices for fuel and basic necessities, agrarian reform, and a re-evaluation of National Strategic Projects. They also called for the cessation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. The protest involved significant security presence, with 6,962 personnel deployed to manage crowds. Tensions arose as police intercepted demonstrators near the UOB building, resulting in the detention of 21 individuals and reports of intimidation against organizers.

Later in the month, on August 31, students from the All-Indonesia Student Executive Body (BEM SI) held a demonstration in Surabaya. This protest focused on the government’s budget allocation, criticizing the prioritization of programs like the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) and the Red and White Village Cooperative (KDMP) over disaster relief. Protesters demanded that the state prioritize recovery efforts for disaster-stricken regions, including East Nusa Tenggara, Kalimantan, Aceh, Lampung, Papua, and West Nusa Tenggara.