ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Thousands of university students rallied in central Jakarta on Friday, June 12, 2026 staging one of the largest youth-led demonstrations in recent months as frustration grows over rising living costs, higher fuel prices, and government economic policies.
The protest, centered around the iconic Bundaran HI roundabout, was organized by the Student Executive Board of the University of Indonesia (BEM UI) and the Student Family Executive Board of Bogor Agricultural University (BEM KM IPB). The demonstration carried the slogan “Menuju Indonesia Bangkrut” (“Toward a Bankrupt Indonesia”), reflecting mounting concerns among students about the country’s economic direction.
Student groups began gathering early in the day, with participants traveling from the University of Indonesia’s campus in Depok to downtown Jakarta. However, several buses carrying protesters were reportedly stopped by security personnel in the Semanggi area before reaching the protest site.
“We were indeed blocked by security officers,” said Anandaku Dimas Rumi, chairman of the Faculty of Law Student Executive Board at the University of Indonesia.
Organizers estimated that more than 1,000 students joined the rally, alongside representatives from other universities and activist organizations, including BEM PNJ, BEM Universitas Pancasila, the Gunadarma Student Alliance, the National Student Front (FMN), Pembebasan, and Semar UI.
Rising Prices Trigger Public Frustration
The protest comes amid growing public concern over the increasing cost of living across Indonesia.
In recent days, prices of non-subsidized fuel have risen sharply. Pertamax increased from IDR12,300 per liter to IDR16,250 per liter, while Pertamax Green 95 climbed from IDR12,900 to IDR17,000 per liter.
Food prices have also continued to rise. Data from Indonesia’s Strategic Food Price Information Center (PIHPS) show increases in cooking oil, rice, onions, and several other staple commodities. In some regions, price spikes have become particularly severe, with chili prices in Bali reportedly reaching Rp80,000 per kilogram ahead of the Galungan holiday.
Student leaders argue that these increases are placing additional pressure on households already struggling with declining purchasing power.
Five Key Demands
According to BEM UI Chairman Yatalathof Ma’shum Imawan, protesters delivered five main demands to the government.
The students called for an end to what they described as wasteful state spending, immediate measures to reduce fuel and food prices, and a review of government programs they believe could place additional strain on public finances.
Protesters also demanded an end to what they characterized as growing militarization in civilian affairs and urged President Prabowo Subianto to acknowledge policy shortcomings and respond more openly to public criticism.
In their statement, student groups criticized fiscal policies they believe have failed to address the economic pressures faced by ordinary Indonesians. They also questioned government communication strategies, arguing that public concerns have not been adequately addressed.
A Growing Challenge for Policymakers
The Jakarta demonstration highlights increasing activism among Indonesia’s youth as economic issues move to the forefront of national debate.
While the government has defended its economic and social programs as necessary investments in long-term development and public welfare, student organizations argue that immediate concerns over affordability and living costs require urgent attention.
As thousands gathered in the heart of the capital, the protest underscored a growing demand for greater accountability and more effective measures to ease the economic burden on Indonesian households.
For many participants, the rally was not merely a political statement but a warning that rising prices and declining purchasing power are becoming increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to ignore. (AT Network)
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