BEM UI Demonstration in Tosari, Central Jakarta Disperses After Singing 'Indonesia Pusaka'
A student demonstration by the University of Indonesia’s Student Executive Board (BEM UI) and the National Student Front (FMN) dispersed on Tuesday (18/8/2026). The crowd broke up after the Maghrib call to prayer was sounded.
According to detikcom’s observations at the scene, the crowd dispersed at around 6.10 pm Western Indonesian Time. They left on foot towards Dukuh Atas.
Before dispersing, some of the protesters collected rubbish from the surrounding area. They then placed the rubbish into large trash bags.
They also sang the song ‘Indonesia Pusaka’. The song was then concluded with applause.
Earlier, they had attempted to advance and hold a demonstration at the Hotel Indonesia roundabout. However, their efforts were blocked by police officers.
During the demonstration, the crowd pushed against a police barricade. However, the crowd remained held back at Tosari.
BEM UI Chairman Yatalatof Imawan had previously stated that today’s demonstration was titled #MerebutKemerdekaan (Seizing Independence). BEM UI apologised in advance should the demonstration cause traffic congestion.
“To the residents of Jakarta, we apologise for today’s congestion. But remember: this traffic jam is only for a few hours, whereas the structural congestion, the job market congestion, and the forced congestion of justice have been going on for eighty-one years and continue to worsen,” said BEM UI Chairman Yatalatof Imawan on Tuesday (18/8/2026).
The following are BEM UI’s eight demands in today’s demonstration.
Stop the state’s colonisation of its own people
Stop Corruption, Collusion, and Nepotism (KKN)
Realise genuine agrarian reform
Lower the prices of basic necessities and fuel
Conduct a total evaluation of National Strategic Projects (PSN) and stop the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) and KDMP programmes
Stop the centralisation of power, the cutting of Regional Transfers (TKD), and restore regional autonomy
Declare a national disaster status for the Sumatra and Flores regions and accelerate the recovery of disaster-affected areas
Stop the repressiveness and intervention of the TNI-Polri in civilian spaces and disband YON TP