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8 Isi Tuntutan Demo BEM UI di Bundaran HI Hari Ini, Apa Saja?

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News and Commentary

Protest Announcement

Student activists from BEM UI (Dewan Eksekutif Mahasiswa Universitas Indonesia) plan a protest at the Hotel Indonesia (Bundaran HI) roundabout in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, one day after Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day celebrations. The call to action was shared through BEM UI’s official Instagram account, @bemuifficial.

Main Points of BEM UI’s Demands (8 Demands)

  1. Stop “state colonialism” against their own people.
  2. Stop corruption, collusion, and nepotism (KKN).
  3. Implement genuine agrarian reform.
  4. Reduce prices of basic necessities and fuel oil (BPM).
  5. Conduct a total evaluation of the National Strategic Program (PSN) while stopping programs mentioned as Free Nutritional Meals (MBG) and the Red and White Village cooperative (KDMP).
  6. Stop centralization of power and reduce transfers to regions (TKD) while restoring regional autonomy.
  7. Declare a national disaster status for Sumatra and Flores, alongside faster recovery efforts in affected areas.
  8. End repression and intervention by TNI-Polri in civilian spaces, including the disbandment of Yon TP.

Rationale and Framing of the Protest

BEM UI argues that independence should not only be celebrated but also actively fought for. They claim many people still face silencing, loss of rights, and shrinking living space.

They also contend that independence is being undermined by threats to state sovereignty, including through trade agreements with other countries.

BEM UI further highlights unresolved domestic issues such as:

  • Suppression of public voices
  • Unequal law enforcement
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Lack of access to free education and healthcare

According to BEM UI, these are not merely economic problems but amount to a sovereignty crisis.

Timing and Route (As Stated by Organizers)

  • 10:00 WIB: Rally begins at UI’s area (described as “Visip University of Indonesia” in the subtitles).
  • 11:00 WIB: Students depart UI.
  • 13:00 WIB (approx.): Expected arrival at Bundaran HI to begin the action.

BEM UI intentionally schedules the demonstration the day after the independence ceremony to question the meaning of independence—connecting it to what the founders fought for 81 years ago.

Presenters / Contributors

  • Yata Latov Imawan (Ketua BEM UI / Chairman of BEM UI)

Original video