Student Groups Plan Demonstrations on Heroes’ Day to Protest Policies

Student groups across Indonesia are preparing to stage demonstrations on Tuesday, Nov. Heroes’ Day, meant to voice opposition against state directives while highlighting worries regarding graft, ecological harm, and escalating living expenses.

Demonstrations are planned in Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Banyuwangi, and Purwokerto. In Yogyakarta, organizers issued a public call for participation through social media.

Calling on all oppressed people: build a militant, democratic people’s movement, read a statement posted on Instagram by protest organizers.

Within the capital city, rallies have been organized for multiple sites, which feature the National Monument—popularly called Monas—alongside the House of Representatives complex, the Tugu Tani zone, and Jalan Jenderal Sudirman. At least three student organizations have announced actions in Jakarta, citing grievances over forest fires and climbing prices for basic necessities alongside corruption.

The demonstrators intend to demand the termination of several government initiatives. These include the free nutritious meals program and the Red and White Village Cooperatives program. Protesters will also call for the dissolution of the state investment management agency Danantara Indonesia, plus an end to military and police involvement in civilian affairs.

The planned mobilization coincides with a national commemoration honoring those who fought for Indonesia’s independence. These actions follow a separate demonstration held on Monday outside the office of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka in Jakarta.

Dozens of demonstrators gathered near the vice-presidential compound on Monday. Vice Presidential Secretary Al Muktabar stated that Gibran had instructed officials to open the compound gates so protesters could enter and present their demands directly.

The vice president’s office had prepared a designated room to facilitate dialogue with the demonstrators, according to Al Muktabar. The vice president greatly respects the aspirations of the demonstrators and understands that expressing them is a fundamental part of our democracy, Al Muktabar said.

He added that opening the gates was intended to provide an effective communication channel for their concerns. However, the protesters declined the invitation and chose to remain outside the compound.

The Vice Presidential Palace had prepared a venue, but our fellow citizens were not willing to present their aspirations face-to-face, Al Muktabar said.