BEM UI Abstains from Today's Protests at DPR and Monas

The University of Indonesia’s student executive body (BEM UI) has confirmed it will not be joining the demonstrations held by various student groups today. “We are not participating in today’s protest yet,” said BEM UI Chair Yatalathof Ma’shum Imawan, as quoted by Detik on Monday (15/6). According to Yata, the organisation is still evaluating the demonstration it conducted last Friday. However, he stated that BEM UI supports the protests being carried out by student groups today. “We have not taken to the streets because we are still in the evaluation phase and rebuilding the movement. Regarding the actions being held, BEM UI supports all moral movements to protest, given Indonesia’s current condition which is heading towards bankruptcy,” he said. The Metro Jaya Regional Police have prepared personnel to oversee the demonstrations. A total of 6,675 joint personnel from the National Police, the Indonesian Armed Forces, and the Transportation Agency have been deployed. Mass concentration points are centred in front of the DPR/MPR RI building, Monas, the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout, and the National Nutrition Agency building. Metro Jaya Police Public Relations Head, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, stated that the security measures are in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the expression of opinions. “Metro Jaya Police have prepared 6,675 joint personnel to secure the entire series of public expression actions. Personnel will be stationed at strategic points to guarantee the safety of protest participants and members of the public active around the locations,” said Senior Commissioner Budi in a statement to reporters on Monday (15/6).