Police Divert Traffic from Semanggi to Bundaran HI Amid Student Protest

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police Traffic Directorate diverted traffic flow from Semanggi towards the Hotel Indonesia (HI) Roundabout on Monday (15/6) due to a student demonstration in front of the Bendungan Hilir (Benhil) bus stop on Jalan Sudirman. Information regarding the temporary traffic diversion was uploaded to the social media account X @TMCPoldaMetro. “At 15.05, a temporary traffic diversion is in effect due to a public expression of opinion on Jalan Sudirman in front of the Benhil bus stop. Traffic from Semanggi heading towards the HI Roundabout is being diverted via Jalan Benhil, Central Jakarta,” the post stated. When confirmed, Traffic Management Centre Head Commissioner Robby Hefados said the students demonstrating at the Benhil bus stop had planned to march towards the Patung Kuda area. However, because a visit by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was underway at the Merdeka Palace, the crowd was temporarily held near Benhil. “The Sudirman-Thamrin route is currently being used for the state guest’s motorcade, so the police are currently trying to negotiate and communicate with the students to wait briefly at Benhil,” he said. As a result, traffic congestion built up around Benhil. The police implemented the traffic diversion to alleviate the density. “We are directing members of the public heading north to go via Slipi or Kuningan, directing them from the Semanggi Interchange,” he stated.