BEM UI Plans Friday Protest Against Prabowo’s Free Meal Program, Village Cooperatives

Student Leaders Organize Demonstration in Response to Prabowo's Free Meal Initiative and Village Cooperative Policies

BEM UI Plans Friday Protest Against - On June 12, 2026, the Student Executive Board of the University of Indonesia (BEM UI) announced plans to stage a protest at Bundaran HI, the central plaza in Jakarta. The demonstration, set for Friday, is expected to draw widespread attention to concerns regarding the government's economic and social policies. The protest is led by Yatalathof Ma'shum Imawan, who serves as the chairperson of BEM UI. In a statement issued on June 10, 2026, Imawan emphasized that the students are calling for an end to two major initiatives: the free meal program (MBG) and the expansion of the Red and White village cooperative. These policies, he argued, are contributing to growing public dissatisfaction with the administration’s approach to governance.

Protest Demands Target Fiscal Mismanagement and Political Apathy

The BEM UI representative outlined the students’ core grievances, which include a demand for the government to cease its current economic strategies and address the root causes of Indonesia’s financial instability. In a

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, Imawan stated, “Stop the MBG program and the development of the Red and White village cooperative.” This statement reflects a broader critique of how resources are being allocated under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership. Students also called for an end to the misallocation of state funds, which they claim is exacerbating the country’s economic challenges.

Imawan highlighted additional concerns, such as the rising cost of essential goods and fuel, which are placing a heavy burden on ordinary citizens. He further urged Prabowo to abandon the militarization of civilian institutions, a policy he views as undermining democratic processes. “Prabowo should also stop evading and acknowledge the government’s mistakes,” the statement added, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability in policy decisions. The protest aims to draw public scrutiny to these issues and pressure the administration to take corrective action.

Student Mobilization and Economic Concerns

The demands are rooted in a series of discussions held by UI students on June 10, 2026, which consolidated opinions from various student factions. Imawan explained that the student leaders formed their demands based on current economic and political conditions in Indonesia. According to him, the nation, despite its wealth, is failing to translate prosperity into tangible benefits for the people. “Economic growth has even collapsed,” he noted, citing a decline in living standards and rising inflation as key indicators of the government’s missteps.

Imawan criticized the government’s fiscal policies, arguing that they are inefficient and misdirected. He pointed out that the central bank’s independence has been compromised, which he believes has led to poor monetary decisions. “The government’s communication with the public is far from appropriate,” he said in the same statement. This lack of clarity, he claimed, has fueled public distrust and confusion about the country’s financial trajectory. The student leaders view the MBG program and village cooperatives as emblematic of this broader failure to manage resources effectively.

Imawan also accused the government of suppressing dissent by using state institutions as tools to silence critics. “The state apparatus is being manipulated to quell opposition,” he stated, suggesting that the administration is prioritizing control over open dialogue. This critique aligns with the students’ belief that the current economic policies are not only harmful but also politically motivated. They argue that the MBG initiative, while well-intentioned, has been implemented in a way that benefits specific groups at the expense of the broader population.

Government Response and Acknowledgment of Challenges

State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi addressed the BEM UI’s concerns in a meeting with stakeholders on June 8, 2026. He acknowledged the students’ aspirations and emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing economic issues. “The government appreciates the input from the student group,” Hadi said, noting that the MBG program and village cooperatives are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the rupiah and stabilize the economy.

However, Hadi acknowledged the complexity of Indonesia’s current economic situation, stating that it is influenced by multiple factors, including global market dynamics and domestic policy choices. “The challenges are not easily resolved,” he remarked in the DPR complex, where the meeting took place. While he supported the student leaders’ efforts, he cautioned that the government must balance short-term solutions with long-term goals. This response highlights the tension between the student group’s demands for immediate change and the government’s need to navigate multifaceted economic problems.

The BEM UI’s protest comes after a focus group discussion (FGD) held on June 8, 2026, which brought together student representatives from UI and other national groups. During this session, participants analyzed the economic conditions in Indonesia, with a particular emphasis on the impact of the MBG program and village cooperatives on public welfare. The discussion revealed growing frustration among students over the lack of progress in addressing inflation, unemployment, and food security. These issues have become central to the movement’s demands, which are framed as a call to action for the government to reevaluate its policies.

Imawan’s statements reflect a growing sentiment among young Indonesians that the government is not adequately responding to their needs. He argued that the MBG program, designed to provide free meals to underprivileged groups, has been mismanaged and fails to reach its intended beneficiaries. Instead of alleviating hunger, he claimed, the program has created a dependency that undermines long-term economic resilience. Similarly, the Red and White village cooperative, a government-backed initiative, has been criticized for favoring specific communities and neglecting broader rural development.

As the protest date approaches, the BEM UI is intensifying its efforts to mobilize support. They have called on citizens to participate in the demonstration, which they hope will serve as a catalyst for meaningful reform. The movement is also gaining traction through social media and student networks, with many joining the call for a more transparent and equitable economic strategy. For Imawan, the protest is not just a reaction to current policies but a step toward ensuring that Indonesia’s wealth is shared more equitably across all sectors of society.

While the government maintains that its policies are necessary for economic stability, the BEM UI’s protest underscores the growing divide between political leaders and the public. The demonstration is expected to highlight the students’ dissatisfaction with both the MBG program and the government’s overall direction. As the event draws closer, the focus will be on whether the administration is willing to engage in dialogue or continue its current course of action. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of Indonesia’s economic and democratic landscape.

Read more: BEM UI Urges Total Review of MBG After Dadan's Dismissal Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News.