Dozens of students demand solutions on flooding, waste, agrarian conflicts, and education.
Dozens of students from the All-Indonesian Student Executive Board (BEM SI) staged a demonstration in front of the Batam City Council (DPRD) on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, highlighting 11 pressing issues that reflect public concerns across the city.
Students Deliver 11 Demands
Led by BEM SI Regional Coordinator for Northern Sumatra, Muryadi Agus Priawan, the students voiced frustration over unresolved city problems. Their 11 demands included:
- Unfinished flood management
- Ineffective waste handling
- Chaotic parking systems
- Rejection of controversial RKUHAP articles
- Excessive police force in protests
- Uneven Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program
- Unclear status of honorary teachers
- Presence of food cartels
- Disruptive dump truck and container operations
- Agrarian conflict in Kampung Tua Melayu Tanjung Uma
- Batam’s failure to meet child-friendly city standards
Dialogue with Officials
The demonstration was received by Commission II Chair Muhammad Yunus Muda, Commission III Chair Muhammad Rudi, Mayor Amsakar Achmad, Council Member Anang Adhan, and Acting City Secretary Firmansyah. After the rally, student representatives were invited into a Commission III meeting room for a two-hour dialogue.
Government Response
On waste management, Mayor Amsakar admitted the challenge was common in large cities but emphasized ongoing efforts. Batam has added bulldozers, 14 garbage trucks, 90 bins, and three waste management units. For 2026, the city plans to add 133 more bins, 40 trucks, and three incinerators.
Regarding dump truck schedules, Amsakar confirmed the government is evaluating new rules to reduce traffic disruption. DPRD’s Commissions II and III pledged to oversee issues such as agrarian disputes, food cartels, and the MBG program through official forums.
Students Warn of Continued Action
Although they welcomed the government’s openness, the students stressed the fight was not over. “This is only the first step. If our demands are ignored, we will return to the streets,” Muryadi declared, handing over a written statement of demands to the mayor.
Broader Implications
The demonstration reflected a growing student movement in Batam, positioning itself as a watchdog for public interests. By highlighting strategic urban issues, the protest served as a reminder that development policies must be responsive to citizens’ needs.
The BEM SI protest underscores how students are amplifying community concerns in Batam—from urban flooding to agrarian conflicts. Their 11 demands highlight unresolved challenges that, if left unchecked, could strain Batam’s development and its role as a key urban hub in the Riau Islands.
Sources: Kepri Today (2025) , Mata Kepri (2025)
Keywords: Batam Student Protest, BEM SI Demonstration, DPRD Batam, Public Concerns, Flooding Waste Agrarian, Batam Development
