Bali DPRD Pledges to Forward 18 Student Demands to Central Government Within Three Days

A demonstration by students from across Bali, held in front of the Bali DPRD building on Monday (22/6/2026), was received by Deputy Speaker III Komang Nova Sewi Putra and other council members. Nova pledged that the 16 student demands would be forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) and the national parliament (DPR RI) within three days. He reinforced this commitment by reading out all the demands in front of the students. “Tomorrow I will automatically submit the papers and studies provided by the students, along with their demands, to our expert staff for review and to draft a concept letter which we will send within two days to both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the DPR RI,” Nova stated. He assured that the Bali DPRD would begin processing the demands immediately. The Democratic Party politician acknowledged the concerns of the public and students regarding the current state of the country. “Because we in the DPR also receive many objections from the public about the rising price of fuel, as we see that fuel price increases do not only affect the lower class but also the middle class and others,” Nova said. The President of the Student Executive Board (BEM) of Udayana University, I Gusti Agung Ngurah Oka Paramahamsa, stressed that if the demands are ignored or the agreed timeframe is exceeded, students may once again pressure the Bali DPRD. “We hope our trust is valued. Our trust can only be disturbed within these three days because I believe the available team and the strength of the Bali Provincial DPRD are sufficient to convey this to the central government,” Oka stated. The 16 student demands are divided into several aspects, including democracy, civilian supremacy, and governance; human rights and civil liberties; and the economy, fiscal policy, and public welfare. On democracy and governance, students demand that the government, including President Prabowo, relevant ministers, and the DPR RI, evaluate the Police Law (UU Polri) which was deemed to have been passed hastily. They also called for an evaluation of the involvement of the military (TNI) and police in civilian posts to ensure the principle of civilian supremacy is upheld. The students further demanded an evaluation of public communication by officials, which they consider ineffective and belittling of public aspirations. The management of the Danantara Investment Management Agency (BPI Danantara) was also demanded to be conducted transparently to the public. The DPR RI was urged to immediately proceed with the legislation and enactment of the Asset Forfeiture Bill so it can be passed as soon as possible. On human rights and civil liberties, the students demanded President Prabowo unconditionally release all political prisoners and stop violence and intimidation against activists as a commitment to protecting citizens. Prabowo was also asked to evaluate and dismiss Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai, who is perceived as not demonstrating ministerial performance. The government was also demanded to investigate all alleged human rights violations in Papua, including withdrawing all military personnel to guarantee the protection of community rights. On the economy, fiscal policy, and public welfare, students urged Prabowo and Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia to reform energy subsidy distribution with strict oversight and update subsidy recipient data to prevent potential increases in Pertalite fuel prices. The Free Nutritious Meal programme (MBG) was also highlighted. Students demanded that Prabowo, Head of the National Nutrition Agency Nanik S Deyang, Finance Minister Purbaya, the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conduct a total evaluation of the programme, citing its impact on budget efficiency policies and alleged corruption. They argued that such an evaluation would allow budgets for health, education, regional development, and public services to be restored. The Red and White Village Cooperative (Kopdes Merah Putih) programme was also demanded to be evaluated immediately and the diversion of village funds to this programme halted. Lastly, the Bali students urged the government to stabilise the rupiah exchange rate against the US dollar, suggesting concrete fiscal and monetary policy steps to restore investor confidence amid uncertain global dynamics. “We actually have great hope that these issues will be resolved carefully, systematically, and structurally,” said BEM Udayana University President Oka during his speech. He assessed that the public has lost trust in the government due to the absence of dialogue that produces concrete answers and solutions. Oka noted that when issues such as fuel price hikes, the MBG programme, or deforestation arise, the public is instead pitted against one another. “These programmes should truly be returned to the hands of the people, they must be the rights of the community. Instead of becoming our misery. Why should we fight? Why should we bring each other down?” he said.