BEM UI Chief: Why Force Us to Protest at Parliament?
BEM UI Leader Questions Police Directive to Redirect Protest to DPR Building
BEM UI Chief - On June 14, 2026, the leader of the University of Indonesia Student Executive Council (BEM UI) responded to claims made by the Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief regarding the "Menuju Indonesia Bangkrut" (Towards Indonesia's Bankruptcy) demonstration held at Bundaran HI, Central Jakarta, on June 12. The protest, organized by student groups, was reportedly conducted without prior official notification, according to the police. However, BEM UI challenged this assertion, arguing that the process adhered to legal requirements under the 1945 Constitution.
Constitutional Rights and Notification Dispute
Yatalathof Ma'shum Imawan, the head of BEM UI, stated that the right to demonstrate is a fundamental constitutional guarantee. "The event already fulfilled constitutional mandates, and the notification was merely a procedural formality," he said during an interview with Tempo on June 14. Athof further explained that the student alliance had submitted a formal notice to the Central Jakarta Police via WhatsApp and received a preliminary acknowledgment. He accused the police of selectively enforcing rules, questioning the logic of demanding the demonstration be held at the House of Representatives (DPR) building.
"Why did the police force us to hold the protest at the DPR? That is quite absurd, isn't it? Not to mention the obstruction of our Friday prayer gathering in Dukuh Atas. Enough, Pak—you say A, but the reality [on the ground] is always B. Public trust in you is bankrupt, Pak," Athof remarked.
Police Clarification on Notification Procedures
In contrast, the Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief, Grand Commissioner Reynold E.P. Hutagalung, clarified that the protest lacked an official submission of the notification letter. While his office received a WhatsApp message containing a PDF copy of the notice from a UI student on June 11, he noted that follow-up attempts on June 12 went unanswered. "We were informed of the planned rally through a message, but no formal delivery was made to our command," Reynold stated in a written statement issued on June 14.
Reynold emphasized that Article 10 of Law No. 9 of 1998 mandates the direct submission of notification letters for public rallies. According to the regulation, the organizer must personally deliver the document to the local police command at least 72 hours before the event. "Despite receiving early information, we never received an official notification letter until the protest began," he added. The police argued that the student alliance had bypassed legal procedures by not adhering to this requirement.
Demonstration Location and Security Measures
Despite the procedural disagreement, the police deployed security personnel to the HI Roundabout area to ensure the demonstration proceeded peacefully. "We continue to provide security and public service. While citizens have the right to express opinions, these actions must comply with regulations to maintain order," Reynold stated. The crowd, however, was forced to relocate to the Thamrin Nine Ballroom after being blocked by a joint force of Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) and National Police (Polri) personnel.
Protest Demands and Organizational Scope
BEM UI outlined five key demands during the rally, calling for government accountability and economic reforms. These included halting the mismanagement of state funds, reducing the prices of essential goods and fuel, and revoking the free nutritious meal program (MBG) along with the expansion of the Red and White Village Cooperative. The alliance also urged the end of civilian militarization and demanded that Prabowo Subianto acknowledge his role in the nation's current challenges.
The protest was organized by a coalition of student groups, including the central BEM UI and 15 faculty-level student councils. Additional participants came from BEM KM IPB, BEM PNJ, BEM Pancasila University, the BEM Gunadarma Alliance, FMN Pusat, FMN UI, Pembebasan, and Semar UI. This broad participation highlighted the widespread concern among students about the country's financial state and governance practices.
Context and Broader Implications
The "Menuju Indonesia Bangkrut" movement has gained traction as a response to rising inflation, budget deficits, and perceived corruption in public institutions. Protesters argue that the government's handling of the economy has led to social unrest, with students playing a central role in amplifying these issues. The recent protest at Bundaran HI, however, became a focal point for discussions on procedural fairness and the balance between citizen rights and law enforcement authority.
Reynold's office reiterated that the police's role is to enforce regulations, not to dictate the location of protests. Yet, Athof's criticism of the police's handling of the event raised questions about the flexibility of legal procedures in practice. "The law allows for notifications to be sent electronically, but the police insisted on physical delivery," Athof pointed out. This discrepancy sparked debates over whether the current rules are overly rigid or if they serve as a tool for controlling public dissent.
The demonstration also underscored the growing tension between student organizations and government agencies. While the police maintained that the event violated procedural norms, BEM UI framed the situation as an example of bureaucratic overreach. "We are not asking for special treatment, but we are entitled to demonstrate where we choose, not where the authorities demand," Athof asserted. The event’s relocation to the Thamrin Nine Ballroom, however, was seen by some as a strategic move to keep the protest visible and impactful.
Public Perception and Future Actions
The dispute over the protest’s location and notification process has intensified public scrutiny of the police’s approach to managing student-led movements. Critics argue that the police’s insistence on strict procedural compliance may be used to suppress dissent, while supporters of the regulations emphasize the need for order in public spaces. As the debate continues, BEM UI remains committed to its demands, with plans to escalate its efforts through further protests and public campaigns.
Reynold’s statement on June 14 emphasized the importance of adhering to legal frameworks, stating, "Public demonstrations are a vital part of our democracy, but they must follow established protocols." The police chief’s remarks, however, were met with skepticism from student representatives, who viewed the dispute as a broader conflict between institutional authority and grassroots activism. The situation highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing the right to protest with the need for regulatory oversight in a rapidly evolving political landscape.
As the conversation around the demonstration unfolds, it serves as a case study in the complexities of public protest in Indonesia. While the immediate issue centers on procedural compliance, the underlying theme revolves around the government's response to economic and social challenges. The BEM UI’s actions have not only brought attention to the country's financial state but also ignited a discussion about the role of student organizations in shaping national discourse.
With the protest now concluded, the focus shifts to the next steps for BEM UI and its allies. The student alliance plans to continue advocating for its demands through a series of coordinated efforts, leveraging both legal channels and public support. Meanwhile, the Central Jakarta Metro Police prepares to address any further challenges, ensuring that future demonstrations align with their interpretation of the law.
In the end, the event at Bundaran HI becomes more than just a protest—it is a symbol of the broader struggle for democratic participation and transparency in governance. As students and citizens rally for their voices to be heard, the question remains: how will the authorities respond to the growing demands for accountability and reform?