Central Java Deputy Governor Says Student Protest Demands Fall Under Central Government Authority

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SEMARANG – Central Java Deputy Governor Taj Yasin has spoken out regarding the absence of any representative from the Central Java Provincial Government to meet with student protesters during demonstrations in front of the Governor’s Office and the Central Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) last week and earlier this week. He stated that the students’ demands fall under the authority of the central government.

“As for the Central Java government itself, we observe the actions carried out by students, we map out which demands are directed at the Central Java Provincial Government, whether for the executive or the legislative branch, what we need to oversee, we will oversee all of it, we will listen to everything. And up to now, what our friends are voicing is indeed intended for the central government,” Yasin said during an interview at the Central Java DPRD Office in Semarang City on Wednesday (17/6/2026).

Nevertheless, Yasin claimed that the Central Java Provincial Government still accommodates the aspirations of students and will attempt to convey these to the central government. “In the centre itself, in Jakarta, it has already been conveyed. Actually, we are just waiting to see what the outcome will be,” he said.

According to Yasin, the central government has opened a space for dialogue with student groups. “Yesterday the Vice President also received (student representatives), and the results of the demonstration have also been addressed by the central government. Now, this response from the central government is what we must critique further, what we must respond to again,” he stated.

Students affiliated with the Indonesian Islamic Student Movement (PMII) planned to hold a demonstration in front of the Central Java Governor’s Office on Wednesday. Responding to this, Yasin said the students are welcome to voice their aspirations.

“My appeal to the students is, just convey it. We open public spaces, so that just because a demonstration usually involves large gatherings, it does not lead to provocation, resulting in the desired outcome not being conveyed,” Yasin said.