500 UI Students Prepare Demonstration at National Police Headquarters, Criticising Repeated Police Violence
Depok — Approximately 500 students affiliated with the University of Indonesia (UI) Student Executive Board (BEM) gathered at the FISIP UI Field before demonstrating at the National Police Headquarters in South Jakarta on Friday afternoon, 27 February 2026.
According to observations at the location, the demonstration participants were dressed uniformly in black clothing paired with the distinctive yellow UI ceremonial sashes. The protesters assembled amongst a line of buses that would transport them to Jakarta.
Several students were observed preparing protest banners using red and black paint. Some banners bore slogans including “Police Reform”, and “Rogue Officials #1312”.
Yatalathof Ma’shum Imawan, Chairman of BEM UI, stated that the demonstration was motivated by ongoing cases of violence perpetrated by police officers. According to him, laws and sanctions appear ineffective at deterring officers engaged in repressive actions.
“One incident can certainly be resolved, though the punishment may not be deemed just. However, shortly thereafter, a new case emerges. The public questions what kind of police force this is? It appears as though we close one hole only for another to appear,” Imawan said when speaking with journalists at the location on Friday.
This pattern was described as having occurred repeatedly since 2022, including the Kanjuruhan incident, which resulted in significant loss of life.
Consequently, BEM UI is calling for accelerated police reform, including the removal of Listyo Sigit Prabowo from his position as Police Chief.
For this demonstration, BEM UI has prepared academic research to be submitted to police representatives during the protest.
“The demonstration participants have stated they wish to meet with representatives, but outside the police headquarters,” Imawan continued.
The demonstration focuses on five key demands under the “#RogueOfficials” campaign:
Demanding the maximum criminal penalty for the police officer responsible for the death of AT and all officers engaged in violent repression
Demanding the removal of Listyo Sigit from his position as Police Chief and Dadang Hartanto from his position as Regional Police Chief of Maluku
Demanding the release of all political detainees who have been criminalised
Demanding the establishment of boundaries on police authority and the withdrawal of the police force from civil service positions
Demanding concrete results from the police reform acceleration commission regarding structural, cultural, and instrumental reform of the police force