Andre Rosiade Responds to BEM Unand's Criticism of Prabowo: Feel Free, But Use Decorum
Deputy Chairman of Commission VI of the House of Representatives Andre Rosiade has responded to a post by the Executive Board of the Universitas Andalas Student Family (BEM KM Unand) that referred to ‘Presiden Pakak’ on social media. Andre emphasised that criticism of the government is perfectly acceptable, but it must be conveyed objectively and with decorum.
Andre stated that he accepts criticism as part of the dynamics of democracy. However, he assessed that the use of derogatory terms against the head of state does not reflect a healthy tradition of criticism among academics.
“We are welcome to criticise objectively, but use decorum. Criticism is a vitamin for the government, but do not refer to the President with words like that,” said Andre when inaugurating the Telkomsel BTS in Kajai Village, Pariaman Timur Subdistrict, Pariaman City, on Sunday (5/4/2026).
The term ‘pakak’ in the Minang language literally means deaf or hard of hearing. However, in everyday practice, the word is often used as an insult meaning stupid or not understanding issues.
Andre assessed that the Instagram post from the @bemkmunand account a few days ago, which referred to “Presiden Pakak”, needs to be addressed wisely by student circles. He reminded that the President, as the head of state, must still be respected, regardless of differences in political views.
“I hope the younger siblings from BEM Unand understand that President Prabowo is committed to developing West Sumatra. We have prepared a budget of around Rp 18.9 trillion for West Sumatra’s development post the presidential election,” said this Deputy Chairman of the Gerindra Faction in the House of Representatives.
Andre also reminded students not to focus only on criticising the central government, but to also look at the state of development in the regions. He stated that criticism should be conveyed in a balanced manner towards all levels of government, including the regional government in West Sumatra.
“Do not let an ant across the ocean be visible, but an elephant under the eyelid be unseen. Criticise fairly, including looking at the state of development in West Sumatra so far,” said Andre.
Andre stated that West Sumatra’s economic growth is still around 3 percent with inflation reaching 6 percent. That condition, he said, shows pressure on people’s purchasing power and the need to accelerate regional development.
Andre also highlighted that there are still many provincial road infrastructures in West Sumatra that are damaged and require serious attention. Andre exemplified several infrastructure development projects supported by the central government through the state budget, including the repair of the Payakumbuh-Sitangkai route worth Rp 75 billion.
He also mentioned the follow-up plan for Sitangkai-Batusangkar around Rp 200 billion, as well as the handling of the Malalak route allocated Rp 670 billion in stages until 2027. Andre stated that the 2025 Regional Roads Presidential Instruction programme has also allocated around Rp 600 billion for West Sumatra from the central government.
This Chairman of the Gerindra West Sumatra DPD hopes that students continue to carry out their critical social control function. Nevertheless, he wants the criticism conveyed to maintain ethics.
“We are open to criticism. Please criticise the government fairly and objectively, but use decorum. After all, the President is the head of state that we must respect,” he added.