Wakapolda Metro Jaya Meets Students at Bundaran HI Demonstration
On October 28, 2026, roughly five students approached a police post at Bundaran HI in Central Jakarta to speak with Wakapolda Metro Jaya Irjen Adex Yudiswan, who was inspecting deployed officers during a student demonstration.
The dialogue between the senior police official and the student group stood in contrast to broader demonstrations unfolding across the capital and in Yogyakarta, where various civic groups and student alliances voiced sharp criticisms of government policies. While the specific encounter at the Thamrin police post concluded with offers of transit assistance, the wider protests on the ground highlighted deep-seated public frustrations over environmental and economic issues.
Student Demands and Protests at Bundaran HI
Demonstrators marched through Central Jakarta on Wednesday, utilizing the anniversary of the Youth Pledge to stage coordinated rallies.
The grievances driving the mobilization covered a wide range of policy areas. BBC News Indonesia reported that participants criticized the government’s handling of forest fires across several regions, while other demonstrators rejected specific national budget expenditures. Among the contentious programs cited by protesters were the Free Nutritious Meal initiative and the Red and White Village Cooperatives, which organizers argued should be halted in favor of more pressing public welfare needs.
Protesters also brandished a three-finger symbol—representing what they termed awareness of being exploited, burned, and impoverished—to signal broader economic and social distress. Usman argued in coverage by Kompas.id that these expressions represented legitimate public concern rather than incitement, stating that authorities should listen to the voices of citizens rather than deploy repressive measures.
Official Responses from Police and the Presidential Chief of Staff
National leadership maintained that peaceful expression remains protected under Indonesian law while emphasizing the need for public order. National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto stated that law enforcement agencies would prioritize a humanistic and preventive approach in managing public demonstrations across the country.
Chief of Staff of the Presidency Listyo Sigit Prabowo pointed to Law Number 9 of 1998 concerning Freedom of Expression in Public, noting that the government provides a legal framework for citizens to voice their opinions. Speaking in Jakarta on Wednesday, Listyo urged participants to keep their actions orderly, protect the rights of others, and avoid provocations.
Silakan sesuai aturan yang ada. Pemerintah dan UU memberikan ruang, namun yang harus dijaga agar aksi tetap dilaksanakan dengan tertib, menjaga hak-hak asasi masyarakat lain, jangan mudah terprovokasi dan jangan anarkis, jaga kepentingan nasional, aparat akan melayani aksi damai.
Police Deploy 1,249 Personnel to Manage Jakarta Traffic
To manage the flow of traffic during the demonstrations, the Directorate of Traffic of the Metro Jaya Police deployed 1,249 personnel across several strategic locations in Jakarta. Authorities urged motorists to anticipate congestion and follow directions from officers stationed along affected routes.
The demonstrations in Jakarta followed a prior wave of protests on October 20, 2026, which marked two years of the Prabowo-Gibran administration. As civil society groups continue to press for reforms regarding environmental protections, human rights enforcement, and budgetary priorities, government representatives have reiterated that channels remain open for formal dialogue through administrative offices and advisory bodies.