Rupiah Weakness Protest: BEM SI Students Seal Gate of Central Java BI Office

Dozens of students from the Central Java chapter of the All-Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM SI) alliance staged a rally in front of the Bank Indonesia (BI) Central Java office in Semarang on Friday (5/6/2026). They voiced criticism over the weakening rupiah, which has breached the threshold of Rp18,000 per US dollar. During the protest, the students unfurled banners on the pavement reading ‘Condolences on the Death of the Rupiah’ and ‘Rupiah in Critical Condition’. They also burned imitation money and sealed the gate of the Central Java BI building.

Semarang State Polytechnic BEM President Kevin Kurnia Priambodo stated during the action that an ultimatum had been delivered to Bank Indonesia in Central Java. He warned that if there is no economic improvement within 18 days, a similar protest will be carried out at the central Bank Indonesia office and the Ministry of Finance building in Jakarta. Kevin explained that the 18-day deadline given to the government to fix the economic situation corresponds with the current rupiah exchange rate, which has touched Rp18,000. ‘We will wait eighteen days for economic improvement, whether in economic stability or how the rupiah will soon strengthen,’ he said.

According to Kevin, although the current situation appears stable, the weakening rupiah represents a ticking time bomb. One potential trigger he identified is the potential increase in fuel oil prices, which are still subsidised by the state budget. ‘In three days, a week, this could explode. Fuel prices could rise, rice prices could go up, and the rupiah exchange rate could touch Rp19,000,’ Kevin stated. He emphasised that the demonstration serves as a warning not only to the government but also to the public to remain aware and alert. ‘We are here as a form of our compassion, our concern, and our support. Please, we hope the rupiah will strengthen soon. We are conveying a sense of anxiety, an ultimatum, and also a bluff to the government so that they will quickly come to their senses,’ he concluded.