Why Jakarta Students Are Insistent on HI Roundabout Protest Site
Why Jakarta Students Are Insistent on HI – TEMPO.CO, Jakarta — On Friday afternoon, June 12, 2026, a group of demonstrators from the University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI) alliance were detained by law enforcement in Semanggi and Senayan. Despite the police intervention, the students continued their march toward HI Roundabout, determined to hold their “Towards Indonesia’s Bankruptcy” demonstration there. The protest, which has drawn significant attention, is part of a broader movement against economic policies and government decisions perceived as detrimental to the nation’s stability.
According to BEM UI chair Yatalathof Ma’shum Imawan, over 1,000 students planned to participate in the rally, departing from their Depok campus in multiple buses organized into 16 separate groups. However, the police redirected the protesters to the parliamentary complex, citing logistical concerns. The students, undeterred, refused to comply with the order, emphasizing their commitment to the original site. “We are still working to ensure that we can stage the protest at HI Roundabout,” Yatalathof stated during the event, underscoring the symbolic weight of the location.
The Symbolism of HI Roundabout
Yatalathof explained that the choice of HI Roundabout as the protest site was intentional. The location, he said, represents the students’ growing skepticism toward government authority. By avoiding the Presidential Palace as a gathering point, the demonstrators highlighted their desire to challenge power structures directly. “HI Roundabout is a focal point where government decisions are made and public dissent is most visible,” he added, emphasizing the area’s role as a meeting ground for political movements.
The student alliance believes that protests at the parliamentary complex may not lead to meaningful change, as the House of Representatives is seen as an extension of the executive branch rather than an independent body. “They are now just administrative tools for the government,” Yatalathof remarked, critiquing the legislature’s alignment with executive policies. This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among youth activists, who argue that political institutions have failed to address the populace’s concerns effectively.
A Unified Front Across Campuses
Protesters from several other universities have also pledged support for the demonstration. These include the BEM KM IPB, BEM PNJ, BEM Pancasila University, and the Gunadarma BEN Alliance. Additionally, the FMN Pusat, FMN UI, Pembebasan, and Semar UI student organizations have joined the effort. Yatalathof mentioned that these groups will confirm their participation and the total number of demonstrators at tonight’s gathering. “The movement’s strength lies in its coordination across multiple campuses,” he noted, highlighting the alliance’s strategic approach.
Despite the police’s attempt to shift the protest location, students from Semanggi and Senayan areas persisted in their journey toward HI Roundabout. Their resolve was evident as they walked through the streets, chanting slogans and holding signs. “We cannot be moved from this site,” one protester said, echoing the sentiment of the group. The demonstration is expected to draw a large crowd, with organizers anticipating significant public engagement.
Five Demands for Change
The protest centers on five key demands, all aimed at addressing economic and political grievances. First, students call for reduced state spending, which they describe as inefficient and unsustainable. Second, they seek lower prices for essential commodities and fuel, citing the impact of inflation on daily life. Third, they want the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program and the Red and White Village Cooperatives initiative to be halted, arguing that these policies have drained public resources without tangible benefits. Fourth, they demand an end to military involvement in civilian affairs, which they view as a threat to democratic governance. Finally, the students urge President Prabowo Subianto’s administration to acknowledge and rectify policy shortcomings.
The demands reflect a growing dissatisfaction with the government’s economic strategies and governance style. Students have accused officials of prioritizing short-term gains over long-term solutions, leading to widespread hardship. “The current administration has not addressed the root causes of the crisis,” said Yatalathof, adding that the protest is a response to years of accumulated grievances. This has fueled a sense of urgency among youth activists, who see the demonstration as a critical moment to push for reform.
Media and Public Response
TEMPO.CO has reached out to the Jakarta Metro Police’s public relations head, Commissioner General Budi Hermanto, for further clarification. However, as of the article’s publication, no response has been received. This lack of communication has only intensified the students’ determination, as they continue to highlight the government’s perceived inaction. “The police’s decision to redirect the protest shows they are not ready to engage with our demands,” Yatalathof said, criticizing the authorities for undermining the students’ efforts.
Public sentiment has also been divided. While some citizens support the students’ cause, others express concern about the disruption caused by the demonstration. “It’s important to address these issues, but we need to ensure the protest remains peaceful,” said a local resident. The event has sparked discussions on the role of youth in shaping national policy, with many seeing the protest as a powerful statement of collective intent. As the students approach HI Roundabout, the atmosphere remains charged, with both supporters and critics watching closely.
Yatalathof’s comments underscore the significance of the protest as a symbol of resistance. “This site has historical relevance, and we want to make sure it remains a space for truth and accountability,” he said. The demonstration is not just about immediate policy changes but also about reasserting the students’ role in the political landscape. With multiple organizations backing the cause, the protest has the potential to amplify its message across the country.
As the sun sets over Jakarta, the students prepare to gather at HI Roundabout, undeterred by the police’s redirection. Their march continues to reflect a unified front, driven by a shared vision of economic and political transformation. “We are not here to make noise; we are here to demand change,” Yatalathof emphasized, reinforcing the protesters’ commitment to their cause. The event is set to be a defining moment in the ongoing struggle for reform in Indonesia.
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