The students, who came from various universities including the University of Indonesia (UI), the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Dr. Hamka Muhammadiyah University and the University of Indraprasta PGRI (Unindra), gathered in front of the gate to the compound on Jl. Gatot Subroto, Central Jakarta, blocking access to Slipi, West Jakarta.

They demanded that the House not push ahead with its plan to pass the Criminal Code bill into law, while also voicing disappointment over the recent passage of a highly criticized revision of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Law, which many believe weakens the antigraft body's power and independence.

“We urge the House not to pass the new Criminal Code that can eliminate freedom of speech,” said Elang M, UI's Student Executive Body (BEM) head of strategic study and one of the protesters. "We are disappointed that an article [criminalizing people] for criticizing the president was added."

Some of the protesters, who also demanded that the lawmakers immediately pass the sexual violence eradication bill into law, recited poetry, while others voiced criticism.

“We have come here to express our disappointment. The voices of the people are no longer heard. We are disappointed that the House and the government are no longer on the people’s side,” Unindra BEM president Mukhlas said. 

The House has stepped closer to passing the Criminal Code bill, which critics have long lambasted for containing problematic articles that could lead to criminalization and discrimination of minorities and other vulnerable groups.

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