West Java BEM SI to Stage 'Indonesia in Emergency' Protest Today

The Indonesian Student Executive Body (BEMA SI) is set to hold a demonstration titled ‘Indonesia Emergency’. The action will take place today, Wednesday, 17 June 2026.

The notification for the protest is contained in an official letter from BEM SI West Java, signed by the West Java Regional Coordinator, Muhamad Risaldi. Through this official invitation, it was stated that the protest will be held at the West Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) office. “The action will commence from 2:00 PM until victory is achieved,” the letter reads.

BEM SI West Java has outlined seven specific demands. The first demand is for the government to immediately lower fuel prices and stabilise the rupiah. The second demand calls for the government to urgently save the State Budget (APBN). The third involves improving presidential communication.

Fourth, students are calling for a total evaluation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme and the village cooperatives, or the ‘Red and White’ cooperatives. Fifth, they demand the revocation of the TNI (National Armed Forces) Law and the Polri (National Police) Law. Sixth, they are requesting a total evaluation of the ‘Red and White’ cabinet, which they deem incompetent. Finally, they demand the enforcement of human rights and the fight against impunity.

The wave of student protests initially began on Friday, 12 June 2026. The movement was led by the Student Body of the University of Indonesia, alongside other student elements, in the Hotel Indonesia (HI) Roundabout area. The opening protest organised by UI was titled “Save Indonesia”.

A subsequent wave of protests took place on Monday, 15 June 2026. These actions also targeted Central Jakarta, specifically around Jalan Merdeka Selatan (Monas) and the DPR/MPR Building. Waves of student demonstrations have also intensified outside Jakarta, in cities such as Medan, Palembang, Surabaya, and Makassar.

The demands of these students are largely consistent with those of BEM SI West Java. All are calling for the government to lower fuel and basic commodity prices, and are urging a total evaluation or cessation of the MBG project and the development of the Red and White Village Cooperatives.

Students are also rejecting militarism in civilian areas and calling for a review of the TNI and Polri Laws. Furthermore, they are requesting that the government stabilise the rupiah and halt the wasteful spending of the State Budget (APBN).