Andi Widjajanto Allegedly Joins Student Protest at HI Roundabout, PDIP Responds

The Central Executive Board (DPP) of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has asserted it was not involved in or organising any parties in recent demonstrations across several regions, including the one at the Hotel Indonesia (HI) Roundabout by students and the University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI). DPP PDIP Chairman Said Abdullah stated that this stance is in accordance with the instructions of Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri. “In accordance with the instruction of the Chairwoman, regarding the various demonstrations, both at the end of August and the recent student protests, PDIP has had absolutely no involvement,” Said remarked at the parliament complex on Wednesday (17/6). The statement was also made in response to allegations concerning the presence of prominent PDIP cadre Andi Widjajanto at a protest near the HI Roundabout in Jakarta on Friday (12/6). He urged that Andi’s presence should not be interpreted as representing the party. “Including when Andi Widjajanto was monitored, that should not at all be interpreted as PDIP,” he said. Said also refuted claims that the party was behind the sharp criticisms voiced by former Gadjah Mada University Student Executive Board (BEM UGM) Chair Tiyo Ardianto. He argued that interpreting a familial relationship as a political affiliation is unreasonable. “If Tiyo has a family connection, it is inappropriate to make an issue of that. But if that is being linked, in my opinion, it makes no sense at all,” he stated. Said stressed that PDIP would never engage in such methods. However, he acknowledged that demonstrating is a right, provided it is not accompanied by destructive acts. “I can confirm and guarantee that PDIP will never be involved in such ways. For PDIP, anyone who demonstrates, as long as they do not cause damage and are voicing aspirations, it is perfectly legitimate. That is the extent of it,” he concluded.