Jakarta-STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT. The Indonesian Student Alliance (AMI) and the University of Indonesia’s Student Executive Board (BEM-UI) planned to stage a rally in front of the Merdeka Palace in Central Jakarta on Thursday (4/21).
BEM UI’s Social and Political Department Coordinator Melki Sedek Huang on Wednesday said there will be seven demands, including refusing the presidential term extension, demanding decrease in the price of basic commodities, and rejecting the attacks against civilians. Jakarta Traffic Police Director Sambodo Purnomo Yogo on Wednesday said the institution had prepared several traffic scenarios at three areas to anticipate the flow of vehicles due to student demonstrations.
Hundreds of protesters, mostly students, took to the streets on Thursday in Indonesia’s capital, voicing concern over rumours that the government is considering postponing the 2024 presidential election to allow President Jokowi to remain in office beyond the two-term legal limit, calling it a threat to the country’s democracy.
The demonstrators also railed against soaring food and oil prices, a controversial job law and the targeting of activists who oppose government policies. Trade unions, farmer organizations and women’s groups also joined the protests, which were reignited following another demonstration on April 11 in front of the Parliament building in Jakarta. Thursday’s protest involved about 800 people, according to Jakarta police spokesperson Endra Zulpan, who said that the crowd dispersed peacefully as darkness fell.
University students joining the Indonesian Student Alliance (AMI) failed to meet President Jokowi during the demonstration at the Arjuna Wijaya Horse Statue, Central Jakarta, Thursday. AMI representatives Niha Nihaya said her organization would not give up expressing their voices. She added that AMI planned to hold another rally until the demands reached the state head.
