Student Coalition Protests at West Java DPRD Over State of the Nation

BANDUNG — A coalition of students from several universities in Bandung staged a protest outside the West Java Regional Legislative Council building on Thursday (29 October 2026). They said they were concerned that the state of the nation was far from what the public had hoped for.

The students came from Pasundan University (Unpas), Langlangbuana University (Unla), Uninus and Unjani. They formed a circle and took turns delivering speeches.

Unpas Student Executive Board chair Muamar Baasir said the demonstration was intended to help improve Indonesia’s condition, which he said fell short of public expectations. He and his fellow students believed many problems remained unresolved.

He cited the ongoing handling of forest and land fires, the need to strengthen the rule of law, and policies to support public welfare. The coalition called on the government to take concrete action.

“Today, the government must not simply stand by. It must stand alongside the people. It must not remain shut away in its palaces,” he said on Thursday (29 October 2026).

He added that representatives of the West Java DPRD had met the students to hear their concerns. However, he questioned how far those demands would be conveyed to the central government.

He also criticised several government promises, including providing free education, reducing economic inequality, and reviewing programmes and policies. He warned the government not to ignore the students’ demands.