LambeTurahNews - On October 20, 2026, hundreds of students from various Badan Eksekutif Mahasiswa (BEM) alliances and civil society groups gathered at Tugu Tani, Menteng, Jakarta Pusat, to mark two years of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka's administration. The protest highlighted systemic issues that remain unaddressed, demanding urgent action on environmental and socio-economic challenges.
Wakil Ketua BEM UI 2026, Fathimah Azzahra, outlined five key demands, including the designation of Karhutla as a national disaster, economic reforms, and the protection of civil liberties. The alliance emphasized the urgency of ecological restoration and the need for transparency in governance.
"We have repeatedly raised these issues, yet tangible progress remains elusive," stated Fathimah, underscoring the frustration of student activists. The choice of Tugu Tani as the protest site symbolizes a direct appeal to grassroots concerns, contrasting with previous demonstrations at Bundaran HI, which focused on broader macroeconomic issues.
The protest adopted a novel approach, avoiding traditional BEM attire and minimizing oratory to foster dialogue with the public. This strategy, however, posed challenges in maintaining security and preventing provocation, necessitating meticulous planning.
Civilian support was evident, with local residents providing free logistics to protesters. Dian, a Jakarta resident, coordinated the distribution of food and beverages, emphasizing community solidarity. Meanwhile, Greenpeace Indonesia staged a parallel protest at Bundaran HI, criticizing the government's inadequate response to climate crises.
Juru Kampanye Keadilan Iklim Greenpeace Indonesia, Jeanny Sirait, highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, calling out the government's failure to implement effective solutions. The protest underscored a growing discontent with the administration's handling of environmental and socio-economic issues.
With six designated protest sites across Jakarta, including Monas, DPR/MPR, and Rawamangun, traffic disruptions were anticipated. Dishub DKI Jakarta deployed 60 personnel to manage congestion, reflecting the scale of the demonstrations.
This report investigates the underlying tensions between the government's rhetoric and the ground realities, revealing the persistent challenges that continue to shape Indonesia's socio-political landscape under Prabowo-Gibran's leadership.