Students Prioritise Intellectual Movement, Avoid Provocative Actions

A number of student elements have shown a cautious attitude in responding to various calls for action planned to take place in Jakarta at the end of August 2026. Student circles emphasised that their movement must not be built reactively, let alone be drawn into provocations that could potentially disrupt public order and unity.

One such stance was conveyed by the All-Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM SI). The Central Coordinator of BEM SI for the 2026–2027 period, Andira Yofi Sulendra, said his organisation is still consolidating after the National Deliberation and does not want to rush into following calls for action merely because the issue is currently trending.

“We do not want the BEM SI movement to be reactive in nature or simply join in because it is trending. Our principle remains that students have a role as an intellectual movement and a moral movement,” said Andira, quoted on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.

According to Andira, the decision of students to take to the streets must be based on a reading of the issues as well as mature consolidation. BEM SI remains open to conveying aspirations through demonstrations if the results of consolidation show that there are issues that indeed need to be monitored through mass action.

He also reminded students not to be easily influenced by information going viral on social media.

“Do not let it happen that just because an issue is viral, we immediately join in spreading it or taking a stance without knowing the truth,” he said.

A similar spirit was conveyed by the General Chairman of the Central Board of the Indonesian Islamic Students Association (PII), Kevin Prayoga. According to him, conveying aspirations is a normal part of democratic life, but public mobilisation must be safeguarded so that it does not develop into a space for provocation, hate politics, disinformation, or agitation that sharpens public polarisation.

“Conveying aspirations is an important part of democracy, but it must always be placed within the framework of public interest, respect for the law, and a commitment to maintaining national unity and integrity,” said Kevin.

This stance shows that the freedom to express opinions and maintaining order are not two things that must be opposed. Students and youth groups can still carry out their critical function by prioritising argumentation, information verification, mature consolidation, as well as peaceful and constitutional means.

Ahead of several planned actions on 27 August, this approach becomes important so that democratic space is not exploited by parties who wish to push for provocation or anarchic actions.