From August 25th to the first week of September, Indonesia was rocked by a series of protests by student groups, online motorcycle taxi drivers, and other community groups across the country in various cities. Many of these protests resulted in violence.
Of course, these violent protests were not a premeditated plan, especially by the student groups.
Teo Ramadhan is the Student President of the University of Bengkulu and the Public Relations Officer of the Indonesian Student Executive Board (BEM SI). BEM SI is a joint organisation of Student Executive Boards (BEMs) from universities across Indonesia.
Student protesters throw flowers during a rally against corruption, politicization of law, and lavish allowances given to parliament members, outside the parliament building in Jakarta, Indonesia Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana) Source: AP / Tatan Syuflana/AP Photo/AAP Image
When asked what lessons can be learned from the demonstrations and the tragedy that followed, Teo encouraged students to examine what is happening on the ground. He stated that the most important reflection is that students see that Indonesia needs to improve.
He continued by offering examples of some principles for improvement, such as the fact that welfare should not be provided to state officials, but to the people. The reality is that everyone can now see that the majority of Indonesians are suffering, while officials live in prosperity.
This situation has sparked ongoing protests over the past few days, Teo said, as people are fed up with what is happening in Indonesia.
Teo Ramadhan is the Student President of the University of Bengkulu and the Public Relations Officer of the Indonesian Student Executive Board (BEM SI). BEM SI is a joint organisation of Student Executive Boards (BEMs) from universities across Indonesia. Credit: Supplied/Teo Ramadhan
"Because they are entrusted to be representatives of the people, whose duty is to improve the welfare of the people, not to seek wealth from the people themselves," he said.
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