Ervana Trikarinaputri, Jakarta – The Alliance of the Student Executive Bodies of Indonesia (BEM SI) will hold a demonstration to commemorate National Education Day (Hardiknas) today, May 2. BEM SI Central Coordinator Muzammil Ihsan stated that the protest will take place at the Arjuna Wijaya Horse Statue in Central Jakarta this Saturday afternoon.
Muzammil noted that this year's Hardiknas rally will be attended by BEM SI members, representatives from Muhammadiyah and 'Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions, and other community groups. "There are approximately 700 participants," Muzammil said in a message on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Muzammil explained that BEM SI is directing nine demands toward the government. First, they call for the reform of education budget governance, the separation of public education funds from the bureaucracy, and an end to the excessive commercialization of education.
Second, BEM SI urges central and regional governments to prioritize education substantively rather than as a mere budgeting formality. The students also demand equal access to quality education in underdeveloped, front-line, and outermost (3T) areas, as well as for remote and vulnerable groups.
Fourth, BEM SI demands improved teacher welfare and a fair, transparent, and dignified resolution for honorary teachers, alongside the equitable distribution of educators and recruitment reform. Furthermore, they demand the rehabilitation of damaged schools and the provision of adequate educational facilities nationwide.
Sixth, BEM SI urges consistent, data-driven education policies with a long-term orientation. Seventh, they promote genuine, contextual character education rooted in national values and local wisdom.
In the eighth point, the students demand transparency and strict oversight of all education budget expenditures. Finally, they urge a revision of the National Education System (Sisdiknas) Law through discussions that involve civil society participation.
The call for action was also shared via the official BEM SI Instagram account, @bem_si. On social media, the demonstration uses the hashtag #GelapGulitaPendidikanIndonesia (#DarknessofIndonesianEducation). BEM SI highlighted existing inequalities and policies that they claim are contrary to the people's interests.
"Hardiknas is not just a ceremony. This is a moment of resistance, a moment to voice the truth," BEM SI wrote in their post.
– Andi Adam Faturahman contributed to this article.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2101503/bem-si-marks-national-education-day-with-nine-demand