BEM SI to Hold 'Dark Indonesia' Protest in Jakarta, Marking Student Movement's Peak

The Indonesian Student Executive Board (BEM SI) is set to stage another 'Dark Indonesia' protest, with the main demonstration taking place in Jakarta.

Herianto, the Central Coordinator of BEM SI, stated that this action is a response to unanswered student demands by the government.

"BEM SI, according to our official instruction letter, will hold a centralized protest in Jakarta on Thursday. This is in response to previous demonstrations where our demands were ignored by the government," said Herianto on Tuesday (February 18, 2025).

The protest on February 20 is expected to be the climax of student outrage, particularly after their demands from the February 17 demonstration were left unaddressed.

"We cannot confirm the number of participants yet, as there will be a field technical meeting on Wednesday (February 19)," he added.

Previously, the 'Dark Indonesia' protest was held in the Horse Statue area, Central Jakarta, on Monday (February 17), with students presenting 13 key demands.

Bagas Wisnu, the Public Relations Coordinator of UPNVJ Bergerak, emphasized that the demonstrations will continue until the government fulfills the students' demands.

"We call on President Prabowo and his administration to take concrete steps in addressing the issues we have raised. If not, similar protests will continue across Indonesia," Bagas declared.

Here are the 13 student demands in the 'Dark Indonesia' protest:

1. Implement free, scientific, and democratic education; revoke the education budget cuts.
2. Cancel problematic national strategic projects and implement genuine agrarian reform.
3. Reject the revision of the Mining Law (UU Minerba), which suppresses academic criticism.
4. Abolish the multi-functionality of the military to prevent repression and maintain democracy.
5. Enact the Indigenous Peoples Bill (RUU Masyarakat Adat) to ensure legal protection over their lands and culture.
6. Revoke Presidential Instruction No. 1 of 2025, deemed a threat to education and healthcare sectors.
7. Fully evaluate the free nutritious meal program to ensure effectiveness and prevent political misuse.
8. Implement performance allowance funding for lecturers to enhance academic welfare.
9. Push for the issuance of a Government Regulation in Lieu of Law (Perppu) on Asset Confiscation to combat corruption.
10. Reject revisions to the TNI, Police, and Prosecutor's Office Laws, which could increase immunity for officials.
11. Streamline and restructure the Merah Putih Cabinet to remove irresponsible officials.
12. Reject revisions to the House of Representatives (DPR) Rules of Procedure, which may lead to authoritarianism.
13. Undertake comprehensive police reform to eliminate repressive culture and enhance professionalism.

This protest serves as a call to all elements of society to oversee the government and ensure social justice for all Indonesians.

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