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

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco, delivered a speech from a command vehicle after holding a closed-door meeting with student representatives during a protest in front of the parliamentary complex, Jakarta, on Friday (1_19) night.

In his speech, Dasco promised to follow up on the students’ demands. He stated that some of these demands have already been conveyed directly to the government and relevant officials.

“Some of the aspirations directed at the DPR have also been communicated by us. And, God willing, we will continue and follow them up,” said Dasco.

Firstly, Dasco promised that his office would coordinate with the police to ensure that the 16 Trisakti University students who are currently suspects have their status revoked. He pledged that this process would be completed within the coming week.

“The Chairman of Commission III of the DPR has already communicated. In the next week, God willing, the suspect status of those 16 Trisakti students will be revoked,” Dasco said.

Secondly, Dasco stated that they would also coordinate with the police to ensure the immediate release of two Mercu Buana University students, who were detained for carrying petrol while heading to the DPR.

“They were detained because they were carrying petrol. But tonight, as soon as this demonstration disperses, they will be released immediately. Released from here,” he said.

Thirdly, Dasco claimed he has also coordinated with the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency to implement savings. Moving forward, Dasco noted that there will be savings of approximately Rp70 trillion resulting from the rectification of ineffective governance processes.

Fourthly, regarding other demands, Dasco stated that the DPR will continue to coordinate with the government. These demands include improvements to the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, State Budget (APBN) efficiency, and the welfare of honorary teachers.

“As for the others, regarding the other demands, we will communicate and follow them up with the government as soon as possible,” he said.