Dasco Orates from Command Vehicle: We Will Follow Up on Student Demands

Deputy Speaker of the DPR, Sufmi Dasco, delivered a speech from atop a command vehicle after holding a closed-door meeting with student protest representatives in front of the parliament complex in Jakarta on Friday evening (19/6). Dasco promised to follow up on the students’ demands, stating that some had already been conveyed directly to the government and relevant officials. “Some of the aspirations directed at the DPR, we have also conveyed. And God willing, we will continue and follow up on them,” Dasco said. Firstly, he pledged to coordinate with the police to ensure the 16 students from Trisakti University who remain suspects have their status revoked within one week. Secondly, he confirmed that two students from Mercu Buana University, detained for carrying petrol, would be released immediately after the demonstration dispersed. Thirdly, Dasco stated he had coordinated with the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) to implement savings, claiming that around Rp70 trillion could be saved from ineffective governance processes. He added that the DPR would swiftly communicate with the government regarding other demands, including improvements to the Free Nutritious Meal programme, state budget savings, and the welfare of honorary teachers.