Jakarta. Students from at least nine Indonesian universities are preparing to stage demonstrations in Jakarta on Tuesday, Oct. 20, marking the second anniversary of President Prabowo Subianto's administration with protests over economic conditions, democracy, corruption and other national issues.

The cross-campus student coalition plans to highlight concerns ranging from rising living costs and restrictions on freedom of expression to corruption, environmental degradation and the cost of education.

Authorities in Jakarta and neighboring Tangerang have stepped up security preparations ahead of the demonstrations, while police have advised motorists to avoid several areas of the capital where disruptions are anticipated.

According to protest organizers, participating students will come from nine major public universities across Java: the University of Indonesia, Bandung Institute of Technology, Padjadjaran University, Diponegoro University, Semarang State University, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta Veterans National Development University, Airlangga University and Brawijaya University.

University of Indonesia Student Executive Board chairman Yatalathof Imawan said the demonstrations would begin at the Proclamation Monument in Central Jakarta at 9 a.m., followed by another gathering near the Farmers' Monument at 3 p.m.

"Participants will head directly to the protest locations," Yatalathof said on Monday.

Student Survey Highlights Dissatisfaction
Ahead of the demonstrations, the Save People's Sovereignty Committee, known by its Indonesian acronym Sadar, conducted a survey involving 560 respondents from various parts of Indonesia.

According to the coalition, 78.8% of respondents believed that Prabowo and his cabinet had failed to fulfill their responsibilities during their first two years in office.

The finding reflects the views of those surveyed and should not be interpreted as a representative measure of public opinion nationwide, particularly as details of the survey's sampling method and margin of error were not provided.

Respondents cited high prices for basic necessities, restrictions on freedom of expression, corruption and abuse of power, and rising education costs among their main concerns.

Environmental issues, including deforestation and forest fires, were also highlighted.

The coalition said the survey findings helped shape the demands and concerns that students plan to raise during Tuesday's demonstrations.

Security Tightened in Tangerang
Police in Tangerang have increased security at commuter rail stations and access points to the Jakarta-Merak toll road ahead of the protests, citing concerns about possible public order disturbances as demonstrators travel toward the capital.

Tangerang Police Chief Senior Commissioner Indra Waspada said officers had been deployed to several stations and toll gates within the police jurisdiction, with patrols also intensified.

Police are particularly concerned about the possible involvement of underage school students in the demonstrations.

"We urge all parties to work together to maintain security and public order and ensure that underage students can engage in positive activities and do not become involved in activities that could endanger their safety," Indra said.

Tangerang Regency Education Agency head Supriyadi also urged school students not to join the demonstrations in Jakarta.

"I also urge students not to be provoked or take part in demonstrations that fall outside their responsibilities and roles," he said.

Supriyadi called on parents to supervise their children more closely, particularly outside school hours, to prevent them from becoming involved in potentially dangerous situations.

"Our responsibility covers students during school hours. Outside school hours, we hope parents will increase their supervision," he said.

Jakarta Police Warn of Traffic Disruptions
Jakarta Metropolitan Police have advised the public to avoid areas around the House of Representatives complex, the National Monument and the State Palace on Tuesday as authorities prepare for possible demonstrations and traffic congestion.

Motorists have been warned to anticipate road closures or traffic diversions in parts of the capital.

In a social media advisory, police encouraged road users to adjust their departure times, consider alternative routes and avoid affected areas unless their travel was essential.

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