Crowds Remain at Bundaran HI Despite Falling Darkness
JAKARTA — Crowds staging a protest in the Bundaran Hotel Indonesia (HI) area of Central Jakarta remained there until 6pm on Wednesday (28 October 2026). Police had not yet warned the demonstrators to disperse.
According to Republika’s observations, protesters were at several points along Jalan MH Thamrin in Central Jakarta. Some heading towards Bundaran HI were still held back in front of the UOB Building, while others had already gathered at the roundabout.
In front of the UOB Building, protesters continued trying to push through police lines. At another location, demonstrators delivered speeches in the middle of the road. Large numbers of people were also still gathered around Bundaran HI.
On-site observations indicated that protesters had reached Bundaran HI from 2.30pm. They travelled from the National Monument (Monas) area using various forms of public transport. At least dozens of public transport vehicles made it through to Bundaran HI.
The protest, organised by several student groups under the name Komite Sadar, was staged over what they described as failures by the government of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
The demonstration had at least five demands:
Declare a national disaster, prosecute the corporations responsible, and complete the integration of land governance.
Ensure the state budget serves the public interest and end wasteful political spending disguised as populist programmes such as MBG and KDMP.
Reduce education costs, provide equitable access to basic services, and create quality jobs.
Stop the use of law to abuse power and eradicate corruption, collusion and nepotism.
Restore freedom of expression, bring human rights violators to justice, and end the militarisation of civilian spaces.
The demands were presented as a call for the government to be held accountable for its public offices, political promises and constitutional mandate. The protesters urged the government to fulfil all of those commitments.