Defending Ex-Activists Budiman Sudjatmiko et al., Agus Jabo: We Make Power a Tool for Struggle

Resistance has emerged from student circles against former activists who are now within the circles of power. This was evident in actions taken by students at forums attended by officials from former activist backgrounds. According to Republika’s records, student resistance occurred when the Head of the Poverty Alleviation Acceleration Agency (BP Taskin), Budiman Sudjatmiko, spoke at a discussion in Semarang, Central Java, on Friday (12/6/2026). At that time, some students questioned the idealism of Budiman, who is notably a former activist from the New Order era. Furthermore, a discussion attended by Budiman and several former activists at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) on Monday (15/6/2026) also ended inconducively, as some students considered the former leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PRD) and their colleagues as traitors to the struggle. However, Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono rejected the label of traitor directed at former activists now in government. According to him, nothing has changed in the struggle of the New Order-era activists, only the arena of struggle is different. ‘Nothing has changed, only the arena has changed. It used to be on the streets, now it is in power. In fact, we make that power a tool to fight for what we once shouted on the streets: an Indonesia that is self-reliant, just, and prosperous,’ the former PRD Chairman said when contacted by Republika on Tuesday (16/6/2026). He considered differences of opinion to be normal, including criticism from students towards the government, which is commonplace in a democratic country. However, these differences should be resolved through deliberation. ‘If there are differences in views and attitudes, it is better to have dialogue, deliberation, to find the best solution. The interests of the people must be placed above political or group interests,’ said Agus.