Central Kalimantan Governor Agustiar Follows Up on Aspirations of Students and Workers

Central Kalimantan Governor Agustiar Sabran personally received the aspirations of students grouped under the Aliansi Mahasiswa Anak Buruh Jilid II during their action in front of the Central Kalimantan Governor’s Office on Monday (11/5). In the action, the students conveyed several demands related to the protection of workers’ rights and the social conditions of the community in the area. As a response to these demands, Agustiar stated his commitment to follow up on the various policy recommendations presented by the protesters. This commitment was also demonstrated symbolically through the signing on the governor’s back by a student representative. Agustiar emphasised that the government respects the expression of student aspirations as it is part of the democratic process that must be upheld together. According to him, the voices of students are important input for the regional government in formulating policies. “These are our children too, of course we must respect them. What they conveyed earlier is indeed part of democracy,” he said, quoted on Wednesday (13/5). The Chairman of the Dayak Customary Council added that all received recommendations must still go through a study process and adjustments with applicable regulations. He stated that not all proposals can be implemented immediately in a short time because the government must consider regulations and the authority held by the region. “Everything has its process. We will study and follow it up according to the applicable rules,” he said. Nevertheless, Agustiar assured that the government would accommodate points from the recommendations deemed relevant and feasible to be carried out in the region. “We certainly look at what is in accordance with the conditions and rules in Indonesia. If there is something outside the regional authority or not in line with regulations, it certainly cannot be implemented directly,” he added. Meanwhile, the Action Coordinator of the Aliansi Anak Buruh, Bintang, said that his side would continue to monitor the recommendations that have been submitted to the regional government. He hopes that the aspirations conveyed by the students are not only received symbolically but are truly realised through policies that favour the community and workers. “We hope that all the recommendations that have been submitted can be realised and truly considered by the government,” he stressed.