BEM SI Central Java Ultimatum Government to Fix Indonesian Economy within 18 Days; Palace Responds

The State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, has addressed the aspirations expressed by the Indonesian Student Executive Body (BEM SI) in Central Java regarding Indonesia’s economic issues. He stated that in recent days, the government has been working hard and in close cooperation to tackle the nation’s economic challenges.

“We are confident that the steps we are taking, through close and intensive coordination and policies that reinforce one another, will be effective,” said Prasetyo following a coordination meeting on export governance at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Monday, 8 June 2026.

He did not deny that current economic difficulties are complex and influenced by various factors. Furthermore, he noted that not all problems can be resolved within a specific deadline.

Regarding the 18-day ultimatum issued by students, who have threatened to launch a “Reformasi Jilid 2” (Reform Part 2) movement, Prasetyo stated that fundamental economic shifts cannot always be aligned with rigid deadlines. “I am sorry, but not everything can be achieved within a pre-set deadline. Not everything works like that,” Prasetyo remarked.

However, he assured that the government is striving to address these issues, including providing certainty to business actors regarding policies on the governance of natural resource exports. “We believe that the spirit of these students (BEM SI) is for all of us, focusing on how to work hard, especially in the economic sector,” he added.

The BEM SI Central Java alliance previously presented their demands via Instagram on Sunday, 7 June 2026. These demands follow a demonstration held in front of the Bank Indonesia Central Java representative office in Semarang on Friday, 5 June 2026. Students have threatened larger mass mobilisations if there is no significant improvement in the Rupiah’s exchange rate within 18 days.