KN. University of Indonesia (UI) Students brought eight demands to the #MerebutKemerdekaan (“Reclaiming Independence”) protest in Jakarta, last week centering on concerns that the state was becoming increasingly powerful while the people were becoming increasingly powerless. Student Executive Board Deputy Chair Fathimah said the demands covered various issues, including the disaster in Flores, concerns over militarization, and security forces’ intervention in civilian life.
Jakarta Metro Police deployed 9,242 personnel to secure 31 public protests and 16 community activities across several areas of Jakarta on Tuesday. Police also detained 21 people suspected of attempting to trigger unrest. Authorities confirmed that they were not part of the student groups or other protest participants.
The government responded to a student protest centered on eight demands in the Sudirman area. Government Communications Agency Chief Muhammad Qodari said the government would listen to all the students’ demands and encouraged the public and students to voice their aspirations, noting that Indonesia is a democracy.







