Palace Reminds Planned 27 August Protest Must Comply with Applicable Rules

Jakarta – Head of the Government Communication Body (Bakom) of the Republic of Indonesia, Muhammad Qodari, has stressed that the government respects the planned demonstrations by a number of community groups in Jakarta on Thursday, 27 August 2026.

Qodari said that expressing opinions through demonstrations is part of democratic life. The government, he said, does not view the action as something special or extraordinary as long as it is carried out in accordance with the applicable rules.

This was conveyed by Qodari when met at the Bakom Office in Central Jakarta on Wednesday (26/8/2026), when asked about the planned public action to be held the following Thursday.

“First, we are a democratic country. So every citizen has the right to express opinions, suggestions and input, of course within the corridor of the applicable rules,” he said.

“So, I think when talking about rallies, demonstrations and so on, that is something that is part of a democratic country and has happened frequently. So I think there is nothing special or extraordinary,” he continued.

The statement was made amid plans by a number of alliances and volunteer groups to hold actions in Jakarta with different demands.

At least three groups have stated that they will hold actions on Thursday, 27 August 2026.

One of them is the Pati United Community Alliance (AMPB), which is bringing the aspirations of the community from Pati Regency, Central Java.

Then there is the Madura Volunteers Guarding President Prabowo’s Programme (RMP4), from Bangkalan Regency, East Java.

In addition, there is the People’s Movement Alliance to Demand (GERAM), which consists of 14 student and civil society organisations. This group is carrying the hashtag #MerebutKembaliIndonesia in the action to be held in Jakarta.

With the presence of these groups, the 27 August action is expected to become a space for conveying various public aspirations to the government.

Nevertheless, the government emphasised that the right to express opinions must still be exercised within the corridor of the rules. The government also does not give special treatment to the action and views demonstrations as part of the dynamics of a democratic country.