Students from the University of Indonesia’s Student Executive Body (BEM UI) staged a symbolic demonstration on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, officially declaring that reformasi—the nation’s era of democratic reform—is dead.
The rally took place at the Depok Campus, centering around the iconic Tugu Makara landmark. Beginning around 5 p.m., students dressed in black as a symbol of mourning draped the landmark in a white cloth, a gesture intended to represent the beginnings of reform. The demonstration culminated in a simulated burial ceremony for the reformation era.
Symbolism of a ‘Burial’
The protest featured stark imagery to convey the student body’s message. Demonstrators prepared a mock grave with a tombstone reading “RIP Reformasi” and carried banners with slogans such as “Adili Prabowo dan Kroninya” (Hold Prabowo and his cronies accountable) and “Reformasi Mati, Prabowo Happy” (reform is dead, Prabowo is happy).
Hafidz Haernanda, the coordinator of the rally, explained that the white cloth used during the event has become “stained and ruined over time.” He noted that in a future procession, the students intend to replace the white cloth with black.
Drivers of the Protest
According to Haernanda, the declaration that the democratic era is dead is a reflection of the failure to meet the demands of civil society and students. “We declare that the reformasi we have fought for all this time is now dead,” Haernanda stated, adding, “We are witnessing the end of the reformasi agenda.”
The student body highlighted several key grievances driving their stance:
- Persistent Corruption: Haernanda criticized the ongoing practices of collusion, nepotism, and corruption (KKN), arguing that these issues persist and may have even eclipsed past levels.
- Centralization of Power: The rally highlighted a trend toward the re-centralization of authority, which is viewed as a violation of the spirit of regional autonomy.
- Government Honors: The decision to grant the title of national hero to Indonesia’s second president, Suharto, was specifically criticized for contradicting the spirit of the reform movement that originally sought to dismantle the New Order administration.
Implications and Future Outlook
The demonstration serves as a warning regarding the current trajectory of national democracy. Haernanda noted that the current domestic climate shares troubling similarities with the New Order regime and warned that the demise of the reform era could pave the way for a more repressive political phase.
Despite the grim symbolism of the “burial,” the rally was not intended to dismiss the historic struggles of 1998. Instead, it was framed as a call to action. Haernanda asserted that the resistance can be revitalized, stating, “We have fought before, and One can fight again in the future.”
Given the student body’s stance, future activities may include further symbolic processions or renewed efforts to revitalize the reformasi agenda as a counter-measure to perceived political repression.
