Why Police Urge Students to Move the HI Roundabout Protest

Jakarta Police Direct Students to Relocate Bankrupt Indonesia Rally from HI Roundabout

Why Police Urge Students to Move - On Friday, June 12, 2026, the Jakarta Metropolitan Police reiterated their stance that the iconic Hotel Indonesia (HI) Roundabout in Central Jakarta is not a designated area for public demonstrations. This directive led to the interception of a student alliance attempting to stage a rally titled "Menuju Indonesia Bangkrut" (Towards a Bankrupt Indonesia) at the site. The protest, which had drawn significant attention, was halted by security forces as they enforced the restriction, emphasizing the roundabout’s role as a central transportation hub and economic corridor.

HI Roundabout as a Critical Economic Zone

According to Sr. Comr. Budi Hermanto, the Head of Public Relations for the Jakarta Metro Police, the HI Roundabout functions as a bustling center for both community engagement and commercial activity. He highlighted that its strategic importance in the capital’s infrastructure necessitates limitations on public gatherings to prevent disruptions. "It is widely recognized that the vicinity of the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout is not suited for public demonstrations," Budi stated in a written statement. He further noted that the area’s high traffic volume and commercial significance make it an ideal spot for daily activities but less suitable for protest events.

"We must ensure that the roundabout remains accessible to all citizens, including commuters and shoppers," Budi emphasized. "Its designation as a key economic artery means any large demonstration could impede operations and create safety concerns."

Alternative Venues Offered for Student Protests

As part of their efforts to guide the student alliance, Jakarta Metro Police proposed several alternative locations for the rally. These included the Arjuna Wijaya Statue area and the entrances of the Parliament complex, both of which are considered more spacious and less congested. The decision to move the protest was based on the need to balance public expression with the maintenance of critical infrastructure and public safety.

Despite the relocation request, the student bloc had already begun mobilizing. A convoy of buses carrying approximately 1,000 participants from the University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI) set off from the FISIP UI parking lot in Depok, with the plan to converge at the HI Roundabout by afternoon. However, the journey was interrupted when security forces blocked the path at the Semanggi intersection, forcing the group to divert their route.

Student Alliance Faces Unexpected Hurdles

Anandaku Dimas Rumi, Chairperson of the UI Faculty of Law BEM, confirmed that their group was intercepted by police at Semanggi. "Yes, our group was stopped by security forces," he stated when contacted. The disruption added to the challenges of the student movement, which had been planning the rally for days. Nevertheless, some members of the coalition managed to arrive at the HI Roundabout area by Friday afternoon, forming a scattered crowd near the location. This group included student representatives, labor union members, and a subset of women who claimed they had been present since around 10:00 a.m.

While the main convoy faced delays, the police’s actions did not deter the smaller groups from assembling. These demonstrators, though not officially part of the organized rally, contributed to the growing presence at the HI Roundabout. Their persistence underscored the coalition’s determination to voice their concerns, even in the face of logistical obstacles.

Coalition’s Demands and Political Call to Action

Yatalathof Ma'shum Imawan, the chairperson of BEM UI, outlined the coalition’s broader goals during a press briefing. "Several organizations and movement nodes that participated in the national consolidation at the UI Campus yesterday are still confirming their attendance and estimated participant numbers in tonight’s meeting," he explained on June 11. The student alliance had prepared five key demands, which encompassed a range of economic and political issues. These included calls for an end to state budget mismanagement, a reduction in the prices of essential goods and fuel, the suspension of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program, the cancellation of the Red and White Village Cooperatives construction, and the cessation of militarism within the civil domain.

"The coalition strongly urges President Prabowo to acknowledge the government’s policy missteps," Yatalathof added. "We believe these actions are crucial for addressing the country’s current economic crisis and restoring public trust."

The protest was part of a larger movement that had gained momentum across universities. Yatalathof detailed the involvement of BEM UI, 15 individual faculty-level student boards, and other organizations such as BEM KM IPB, BEM PNJ, and the Gunadarma University BEM Alliance. Additionally, the coalition included groups like FMN Pusat, FMN UI, Pembebasan, and Semar UI, all working together to amplify their message.

While the main rally was expected to be held at the HI Roundabout, the police’s intervention highlighted the challenges of coordinating large-scale demonstrations in a densely populated area. The alternative venues, though practical, may not have the same symbolic weight as the original site. Nevertheless, the student alliance remains committed to their cause, with plans to continue their efforts in the coming days.

Broader Implications of the Police Directive

The decision by the Jakarta Metropolitan Police to restrict the HI Roundabout protest reflects a broader trend of prioritizing infrastructure stability over spontaneous demonstrations. Budi Hermanto’s statement emphasized that while the roundabout is a vital location for public interaction, its usage for protests requires careful management. "The police must act decisively to safeguard the city’s operations, even if it means temporarily limiting protest activities," he said, underscoring the tension between civic rights and administrative control.

For the student alliance, the relocation directive has raised questions about the feasibility of their planned rally. With a large number of participants already en route, the police’s blockage at Semanggi has forced them to adapt their strategy. "We are still organizing, but the delay has caused some confusion among the students," Dimas Rumi, the Faculty of Law BEM Chairperson, noted. "However, we are determined to present our demands effectively, regardless of the location."

The protest, which had been gaining traction through cross-campus coordination, now faces the challenge of maintaining momentum without their primary venue. As the coalition continues to solidify their plans, the alternative sites may serve as temporary hubs for their message. The police’s intervention has sparked discussions about the balance between free speech and the need for urban planning, with critics arguing that the decision could be seen as an attempt to suppress dissent.

Hendrik Yaputra and Ricky Juliansyah, Tempo reporters, have been following the developments closely. Their coverage highlights the significance of the student alliance’s efforts and the broader implications of the police’s actions. The incident also serves as a reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding public space usage in Jakarta, where demonstrations often intersect with the city’s economic and logistical needs.

Read more about the police’s blockade of UI students en route to the protest. Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News.