Defending Ex-Activists Budiman Sudjatmiko et al., Agus Jabo: We Make Power a Tool for Struggle
A wave of resistance has emerged from student circles towards former activists who are now part of the government’s inner circle. This is evident from protests carried out by students during forums attended by officials who were once activists.
According to records, student resistance was noted during a discussion led by the Head of the Poverty Allevated Acceleration Agency (BP Taskin), Budiman Sudjatmiko, in Semarang, Central Java, on Friday (12/06/2026). During the event, students questioned the idealism of Budiman, who was a prominent activist during the New Order era.
Furthermore, a discussion attended by Budiman and several other former activists at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) on Monday (15/06/2026) also ended in a non-conducive manner. This was due to several students viewing the former leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PRD) and his colleagues as traitors to the cause.
However, Deputy Social Minister Agus Jabo Priyono has rejected the label of ‘traitor’ directed at former activists within the government. According to him, nothing has changed in the struggle of the New Order-era activists; only the arena of struggle has shifted.
“Nothing has changed, only the arena has changed. Previously it was on the streets, now it is within power. In fact, it is through power that we make a tool to fight for what we once shouted on the streets: an independent, just, and prosperous Indonesia,” said the former PRD Chairperson when confirmed by Republika on Tuesday (16/06/2026).
He assessed that differences of opinion are a natural occurrence. He noted that criticism from students towards the government is a normal part of a democracy. However, he emphasised that such differences should be resolved through deliberation.
“If there are differences in views and attitudes, it is better to engage in dialogue and deliberation to find the best way forward. The interests of the people must be placed higher than political or group interests,” said Agus.