Explosive Protest! Bogor Students Demand Cancellation Of Massive Videotron Spending
Explosive protest in Bogor as students set tires ablaze, demanding cancellation of Rp 100B videotron project!
Tens of students in Bogor took to the streets in a fiery protest, burning tires to demand the halt of a controversial Rp 100 billion videotron project. The demonstration highlights growing unrest over government spending priorities. Stay tuned Seeds of a Living Planet.
Student Protest Rocks Bogor Over Controversial Videotron Spending
On Monday, 23 February 2026, hundreds of members from Resolusi Mahasiswa Bogor (RMB) gathered at the front of the Bogor Regency Complex on Jl. Tegar Beriman. The demonstration reflected their ongoing scrutiny of several programs funded through the 2026 DPRD Pokok Pikiran (Pokir) scheme, which they claim fail to prioritize public interests.
This protest followed an earlier rally on 5 February 2026, showing RMB’s consistency in demanding accountability for local government spending. According to RMB Chairman Mahdi, the DPRD has yet to provide clear responses regarding concerns about the allocation.
The students voiced particular objection to the proposed procurement of videotrons, microphones, and sound systems, valued at IDR 100–120 billion, for the Department of Youth and Sports. They argue such expenditure lacks urgency and strategic importance for regional development.
Transparency And Public Accountability Under Question
RMB emphasized that the absence of formal feedback from DPRD represents a troubling precedent in public accountability. Citizens’ concerns appear sidelined, and the mechanism for Pokir allocations is not being applied transparently.
Mahdi stressed that budget planning should adhere to principles of priority, efficiency, and maximum benefit for the community. Spending large sums on symbolic projects fails to meet these standards.
According to the students, the proposed videotron project contradicts the real needs of the Bogor sports sector. They urge government officials to reevaluate whether such an investment genuinely supports athletic development and local engagement.
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Redirecting Funds Toward Community Needs
The student organization called for the Pokir allocation to be canceled and redirected toward projects that have tangible benefits. They suggest investments in athlete development, revitalization of sports facilities, and overall improvement of welfare for local athletes.
Mahdi argued that sustainable sports progress requires structural support, not just high-profile purchases. Long-term investments in coaching, training facilities, and athlete programs would yield greater impact than multimedia equipment.
RMB also highlighted other programs, such as the 20 billion IDR Posyandu Digital initiative, urging DPRD to ensure that funds meet community needs and are implemented effectively. They emphasize that public budgets must serve strategic priorities, not political interests.
Civic Responsibility And Legal Oversight
The protestors insisted that the government and law enforcement examine the proposed videotron procurement to prevent misuse of funds, conflicts of interest, or violations of regulations. RMB sees this as part of their civic duty to safeguard transparency in regional governance.
In addition, they demanded DPRD restore the Pokir mechanism to its constitutional role as a tool for objective public representation. Students argue it should reflect genuine community priorities rather than serve political compromises.
Mahdi underscored the importance of dialogue and responsiveness. Citizens’ critiques should be taken seriously and addressed with reasoned explanations, fostering democratic oversight rather than being ignored.
Fiery Demonstrations And Calls For Reform
The protest on 23 February 2026 included burning tires and direct engagement with DPRD leaders. RMB members reinforced their position that the videotron allocation should be canceled in favor of programs that directly benefit the public.
They also called on the Bogor government to prioritize urgent community needs, including improved street lighting, educational infrastructure, and public services that deliver sustainable benefits.
Through these actions, RMB demonstrates a commitment to civic responsibility, transparency, and strategic budgeting. Their protests aim to ensure that public funds support meaningful development rather than symbolic projects that serve political appearances.
Image Source:
- First Image from news.detik.com
- Second Image from news.detik.com
