August 18, 2026 | 03:38 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - University of Indonesia (UI) students are set to stage a protest today, Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Held just a day after the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's Independence, the protest raises the theme #MerebutKemerdekaan (Reclaim Independence).
Why are the UI students taking to the streets today?
The students believe that Indonesia has yet to gain full independence. UI's Student Executive Board (BEM UI), the organizer of the protest, has prepared eight demands targeting corruption, welfare, resource control, concentration of power, and civil repression.
The Head of Strategic Studies at BEM UI 2026, Namoradiarta Siahaan, said the demands were outlined in a study created in consideration of the Independence Day moment. "The BEM alliance across UI has drafted a study based on one question, '81 years, independence for whom?'' said Namoradiarta when contacted by Tempo on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
The study was then brought to the consolidation table. The BEM UI alliance claimed that they have gathered several community nodes to broaden their understanding of the meaning of independence. From this process, they formulated eight demands that form the basis of the #MerebutKemerdekaan rally.
The first demand concerned what the students deem the state's colonization of its own people. The state no longer protests its people, but oppresses them.
Students also demand the eradication of corruption, collusion, and nepotism, the implementation of genuine agrarian reform, as well as the price reduction for basic needs and fuel.
The next agenda targets several government policies. Students demand a total evaluation of national strategic projects and the cessation of the Nutritious Free Meal and Red and White Village Cooperative programs. They also question the concentration of power and reduction of the Regional Transfer Fund, which, according to them, could erode regional autonomy.
"Based on our study, when compared to the colonial era and other countries, both the level of regional autonomy and the welfare of the people do not reflect those of free people," Namoradiarta said.
The students' criticism then extends to the issue of disasters. They urge the government to declare a national disaster status for the Sumatra and Flores regions and to accelerate the recovery of disaster-hit regions.
The final demand targets civilian space and security institutions. They demand that the government stop repression and the intervention of the TNI-Polri in civilian space and disband the Territorial Development Infantry Battalion.
Today's protest was not prepared hastily, as it is the continuation of their pledge during the previous rally held on June 12, 2026. "We will come back, as promised on the 12th," said Namoradiarta.
Read: BEM UI to Stage Protest at HI Roundabout Today
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