August 18, 2026 | 03:56 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Student protesters from the Student Executive Board of the University of Indonesia (BEM UI) alliance were blocked on their way to the HI Roundabout in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. A command vehicle carrying protesters was forced to turn back where they came by the police.
The students refused to heed the order, as they claimed making a U-turn would result in a traffic violation. "It's a one-way traffic, Pak, we don't want to violate the law," one of the protesters told the police officers who blocked their way in the Sudirman-Thamrin area.
The police barred the students from staging a protest at the HI Roundabout, which they said is the epicenter of mobility and business. Protesting there, they said, could disrupt public activities.
Hundreds of police lined up to prevent the protesters of the #MerebutKemerdekaan (Reclaim Independence) rally from passing through.
Police also deployed a command vehicle and high fences to block access to the HI Roundabout.
This was not the first time the police blocked student protesters, as similar blockades occurred during the BEM UI protest on June 12 at the same location.
Deputy chair of BEM UI, Fathimah Azzahra, criticized the police's action, arguing that it was unreasonable to force the protesters' command vehicle to back up. "Meanwhile, the police parked their command vehicles there (in the HI Roundabout area)," she said.
The police blockade disrupted mobility in the area, with several passenger buses being jammed as the blockade extended from the busway lane. This situation sparked a brief tension among the crowd.
Hafidz Haernanda, one of the coordinators of the #MerebutKemerdekaan protest, said he saw police officers pulling away students standing in the busway lane, which sparked reaction from protesters. They demanded the police refrain from acting repressive.
In his statement, BEM UI chair Yatalathof Ma'shum Imawan said the students did not stage a rally to celebrate independence, "But to ask loudly, what kind of independence are we celebrating?" he said on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
During today's protest BEM UI presented eight demands to the Prabowo-Gibran government. One of them concerns an end to repressive actions by the authorities against civilians. BEM UI also urged the government to halt the construction of the Territorial Development Infantry Battalion. "We also express our disgust and demand a complete overhaul of national strategic projects and an end to the free nutritious meal and the village cooperative programs," said Yatalathof.
Read: Why UI Students Stage 'Reclaim Independence' Protest Today
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Student Protest in Jakarta: Traffic Routes to Avoid
9 menit lalu
The Jakarta Transportation Office (Dishub) advises the public to avoid areas potentially affected by protests.
Why UI Students Stage 'Reclaim Independence' Protest Today
31 menit lalu
UI students will take to the streets today with the theme #ReclaimIndependence. BEM UI has prepared 8 demands.
What Are BEM UI's Eight Demands in Jakarta's HI Roundabout Protest?
7 jam lalu
BEM UI is staging protest at Jakarta's HI Roundabout over 8 demands, including agrarian reform, lower prices, disaster response & an end to repression
BEM UI to Stage Protest at HI Roundabout Today
9 jam lalu
The University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI) has announced plans to stage a protest today, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
Today's Top 3 News: Actress Hayden Panettiere Passes Away at 36
1 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news onTempo English today.
BEM UI Plans 'Reclaim Independence' Protest in Jakarta: What Is It About?
1 hari lalu
Indonesian students plan a 'Reclaim Independence' protest in Jakarta, citing concerns over government policies, unemployment, and public services.
Aceh Peace Day Tribute Turns Violent as Crowd Clashes with Police
2 hari lalu
A riot erupted during the commemoration of the 21st Aceh Peace Day at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque (MRB) in Banda Aceh City.
Fact Check: Did Reform 2.0 Protests Really Take Place in Jakarta in August 2026?
5 hari lalu
Fact check - The videos and photos show student protests in Jakarta that took place in June 2026, August 2025, and May 1998.
Fact Check: Did These Videos Show Protests in Indonesia in July-August 2026?
7 hari lalu
Fact check - Of the ten sample videos collected by Tempo on social media X, most were not of protests that took place from late July through August 7,
'Everything Is Ok': Palace Urges Calm over August Unrest Scare
7 hari lalu
The Indonesian government said it has prepared the best possible security measures ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.
