August 18, 2026 | 05:44 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Officers from the Jakarta Metropolitan Police apprehended dozens of people shortly before a student protest at the Hotel Indonesia (HI) Roundabout in Central Jakarta. Police arrested them at various locations surrounding the protest site.
The Head of Public Relations for the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, stated that 21 people were arrested on suspicion of planning to incite a riot. "They are currently being questioned at the Jakarta Metropolitan Police's General Criminal Investigation Directorate," Budi said on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
Budi stated that the dozens of individuals were found carrying dangerous items to the protest site. They had reportedly prepared flares and various other materials for assembling Molotov cocktails.
According to Budi, these individuals are believed not to be part of the student group planning to stage a protest. "They aim to incite conflict between security personnel and the demonstrators," Budi said in his statement to reporters.
University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI), together with various other student groups, held a protest titled "Reclaiming Independence" on the afternoon of Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The demonstration took place one day after Indonesia's independence celebrations.
BEM UI Chairperson Yatalathof Ma'shum Imawan stated that the student groups taking to the streets today were not there to join in independence celebrations. "But to ask loudly: what kind of independence are we actually celebrating?" he said in a statement on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
According to Yatalathof, sovereignty today has been mortgaged through trade agreements that bow to foreign interests. He states that the voices of the people are being silenced and that critical groups are being arrested at random by the authorities.
Novali Panji Nugroho contributed to this article
Read: Again, Police Block Students from Protesting at HI Roundabout
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Student Protesters Blocked at Dukuh Atas on Way to HI Roundabout
2 jam lalu
Hundreds of students remain at Dukuh Atas as police restrict access to Jakarta's HI Roundabout during a protest over government policies.
Student Protest in Jakarta: Traffic Routes to Avoid
3 jam lalu
The Jakarta Transportation Office (Dishub) advises the public to avoid areas potentially affected by protests.
Again, Police Block Students from Protesting at HI Roundabout
3 jam lalu
Similar blockades occurred during the BEM UI protest on June 12 at the same location.
Why UI Students Stage 'Reclaim Independence' Protest Today
3 jam 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?
10 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
13 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.
