Banyumas Raya Students Stage Free Speech Forum and Book Stall Protest

Students from the Banyumas Raya Student Executive Board (BEM) staged a protest and public forum at Purwokerto’s town square over the weekend. The demonstration, which demanded changes to what they called the misguided policies of the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka government, featured a free book stall. During the action, students closed off half of Jalan Jenderal Soedirman in Purwokerto. The free reading stall and a free second-hand clothing market distinguished this protest. Field coordinator Setyawan stated that these activities symbolised that public unease with the Prabowo-Gibran administration is not limited to students but is also felt by the wider community. Setyawan explained the action was a follow-up to previous demonstrations, with students assessing that various government policies have caused problems across multiple sectors, particularly the economy. “This is an escalation; we are tired of Prabowo-Gibran’s tenure. It has not even been two years, but the damage caused is already immense. We see the economy stagnating due to fiscal policies and national strategic projects that we deem inappropriate,” Setyawan said. He added that the aim was to continue voicing criticism so the government would change its policy direction. During the protest, the Banyumas Raya BEM put forward five main demands: halting the Free Nutritious Meals programme, stopping the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih project, and upholding civilian supremacy, including criticising the TNI Law and the draft Police Bill. Setyawan noted the action was deliberately packaged differently, featuring a music stage, theatrical performances, a free book stall, and a free second-hand clothing market to encourage public participation. “We want this free speech forum to include not just orations but also an arts stage. That is why there is a band and a theatrical performance. The book stall and free market are proof that it is not just students who are fed up, but the community feels the same way,” he said. He added that participants came from various elements, not just campus organisations, with community groups and organisations like Aksi Kamisan Purwokerto also joining in.