Analyst: Government-Student Dialogue Must Remain Open

JAKARTA – The space for dialogue between the government and students is considered a crucial element in maintaining a democratic climate amidst widespread demonstrations. The government’s openness to receiving student aspirations is seen as a means to find solutions to various issues of public concern. Alwan Ola Riantobi, Executive Director of Kata Rakyat, assessed that the government has shown a willingness to accept input from students by opening channels for dialogue. He stated that this step should be appreciated as part of democratic practice. “Demonstrations are good for a democratic country. What should be appreciated from the government is its willingness to accept and open dialogue with the demonstrators. This shows that President Prabowo’s administration is democratic and does not shy away from criticism,” Alwan said. According to Alwan, the government’s openness is also evident in its reception of various inputs from academics, economists, and the public in responding to the weakening of the rupiah exchange rate and the decline in the Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG). He noted that the fiscal and monetary policies pursued by the government are directed at addressing the root causes of the economic slowdown. “It must be understood that the rupiah’s depreciation and the IHSG’s decline are due to various factors, such as global economic conditions, war, rising global interest rates, political uncertainty, or a domestic economic slowdown. Therefore, the government’s response is tailored to the main cause of the decline,” he stated. Alwan also addressed the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG), which has recently become an issue in student protests. He said the government has conducted evaluations of the programme’s implementation to address various obstacles on the ground. “Meanwhile, the MBG is a form of President Prabowo’s commitment to fulfilling his campaign promise. When there are shortcomings in the MBG’s implementation, the government immediately carries out mitigation and plans improvements for the future,” he said. Alwan therefore expressed hope that the space for dialogue opened by the government can be utilised by all parties to convey their aspirations constructively. He believes the government’s commitment to improving various policies should reduce the escalation of demonstrations. “Indeed, the escalation of student demonstrations also needs to be examined, whether their demands are based on in-depth study and research. We hope there are no elements trying to ride on the student actions to undermine the government. So, if the government has committed to making improvements and opening dialogue, the escalation of mass action should decrease and be halted,” he concluded.