Police Close Medan Merdeka Selatan Road Amid Student Protest

Police have closed Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan in Central Jakarta in both directions in response to a student demonstration. Hundreds of students marched from the Tugu Tani area at around 2:27 p.m. WIB on Monday, arriving at Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan at approximately 2:50 p.m. WIB. The protesters are voicing opposition to several government policies, including the free nutritious meal programme (MBG), the weakening rupiah exchange rate, and the increase in non-subsidised fuel prices. Several Transjakarta bus routes, including 2A and 5C heading towards Monas, have been diverted before the Patung Kuda area. A joint security force comprising personnel from Polda Metro Jaya, Central Jakarta Police, and local precincts has been deployed to secure the demonstration. Central Jakarta Police public relations head, Iptu Erlyn Sumantri, stated that student protests are also taking place in front of the DPR/MPR RI building and on Jalan Kwitang Raya. Police said traffic diversions at the protest sites are situational, depending on the size of the crowd on the ground.