TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Students staged a demonstration today demanding the impeachment of President Joko Widodo or Jokowi. They come from Trisakti University, National Development University or UPN Veteran Jakarta, and several other student organizations.

“If Jokowi dares to distribute social assistance and even says that a president can campaign, it means he has committed many violations. Jokowi is embarrassing us because he thinks people are stupid,” said Kevin, a Trisakti University student, in his speech in front of the State Palace, on Wednesday, Feb. 7.

He highlighted that professors at various universities across the country have expressed their criticism of the current government's performance, and asked the President to be neutral in the 2024 elections.

“Professors support us. So we demand that Jokowi be impeached and ask the DPR (House of Representatives) to conduct checks and balances,” Kevin stressed.

He also said that the President has confiscated the space for people living in several regions for the benefit of oligarchs. “I do not agree with Jokowi's reckless downstream policy. Jokowi has fulfilled the requirements to be impeached,” he said.

Tempo observed that the protesters held a long march from Trisakti University in West Jakarta and arrived at the State Palace in Central Jakarta at around 17:30 local time. Upon arrival, the students took turns giving speeches.

Some of them also burned banners they had brought to the rally. As of 18:33 local time, the protest was still ongoing.

Tempo has reached out to the Palace for a response. However, Ari Dwipayana, coordinator of the Special Presidential Staff, had not responded to Tempo's request until the news was published.

BAGUS PRIBADI

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