Latest Conditions at the Horse Statue Protest in Central Jakarta

Several student groups are still holding a demonstration around the Horse Statue in Central Jakarta. They are voicing a number of demands, one of which is a total evaluation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme.

Based on monitoring at the location on Thursday (18/6/2026) at 18.00, the crowd was still protesting around Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan near the Horse Statue. Several student elements wearing shirts and carrying various demand banners were seen remaining at the site.

The group is the PMII Central Jakarta Branch, which is voicing aspirations for a total evaluation of the MBG. Additionally, there are a number of students from several campuses, including Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta (UPNVJ), Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ), Universitas Pamulang (Unpam), Institut Kesenian Jakarta (IKJ), and Universitas Katolik (Unika) Atma Jaya.

Several individuals briefly attempted to burn a sack containing dry leaves. Police then extinguished the fire using a fire extinguisher.

The situation at the location became tense as a result of the burning incident. Students continued to deliver speeches around the area.

Traffic around the location experienced congestion. Police and Transportation Agency officers implemented traffic management in the vicinity.

In the same area earlier, there was a different group of demonstrators. They were from the Indonesian Child Nutrition Fighters Community, who support the continuation of the MBG. The protesters were seen wearing all-white attire.

They also carried banners and posters containing demands for the MBG to be continued. At 15.30 WIB, the group dispersed.